Assikura Women’s League: Hibernians beat Lija as Swieqi, Birkirkara follow suit

Hibernians scored an impressive win over Lija Athletic to remain in charge of the Assikura Women’s League standings.

The Paolites continue to lead Swieqi United by two points as they now move to 25 after 10 matches.

Alexis Espitia scored an early goal before Sarah Urpani doubled the lead.

Leanne Micallef pulled one back for Lija Athletic after converting from the penalty spot but a flurry of quick goals saw Hibernians open a four-goal lead before half-time.

A Sarah Caruana own goal, another Urpani effort and a Nicole Sciberras’ long-range strike propelled Hibs to a 5-1 lead at half-time.

After the break, Leah Ayres and Nyorah Celeste scored a goal each before Micallef found Lija’s second with a direct free-kick.

Salamatu Abdulai remains the league’s top scorer with 14 goals after scoring one of Swieqi’s goals against San Ġwann.

Yet, Swieqi’s hero was fellow Ghanian forward Karima Abdulai, who scored a hat-trick to propel the Owls to another victory.

Mariah Sciberras, Dorianne Theuma and Michaela Cachia grabbed the other goals for Saviour Darmanin’s side.

Champions Birkirkara found little difficulty to beat Mtarfa as they hit them for 10.

Alishia Sultana and Francesca Chircop were the authors of a brace each.

Marta Grosso, Stephania Farrugia, Arianna Del Moral, Ileana Farrugia and Stella Francalanza scored the other goals while Mtarfa’s Angele Fenech had an own goal in the equation as well.

Jose Borg’s side are third on 22 points but with a game in hand which they will recuperate when they reface Mtarfa on December 19.

Mġarr United dashed any scares of slipping out of the top four after coming from behind to defeat Valletta in the late kick-off over the weekend.

The Greens have now opened an eight-point lead above Valletta as they close in on securing a top-four finish, albeit their objectives are far more than just playing Section A football.

Valletta forged ahead through Suzanne Farrugia Sacco inside the opening nine minutes.

However, club’s top scorer Fernanda Peinado levelled terms before fellow Brazilians Luana Cabral and Joelma scored a goal each.

Rodiana Borg wrapped up the win with Mġarr’s fourth goal before the break.

This game saw the return of Mġarr defender Leanne Cefai who was recently sidelined with a long-term injury.

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