Birkirkara move three points clear at the top

Birkirkara moved three points clear of Hibernians at the top of the Women's League after routing bottom team Rabat Ajax to the tune of 6-0.

Chantal Fenech and Chantelle Demanuele notched a brace apiece for the dominant Stripes who also had Natalie Bellizzi and Rebecca D'Agostino among their goalscorers.

Thanks to their comprehensive victory, Birkirkara extended their unbeaten start to three matches and, like Hibs, have yet to concede a goal. Hibernians, the defending champions, have played a game less than their perennial title rivals.

Melita moved alongside Hibs in second place after their 2-0 victory over Raiders. The latter were more than a match for their opponents but paid a high price for their careless finishing.

Maria Azzopardi gave Melita the lead when converting a penalty two minutes from the break.

Raiders should have levelled matters soon after but Amanda Atkins' shot forced Melita goalkeeper Tagliaferro into a fine save.

After the change of ends, Raiders produced several scoring chances, mainly through Atkins and Natasha Calleja but their efforts were either foiled by Tagliaferro or missed the target.

On 50 minutes, Melita's three points were virtually assured when they doubled the score, Maria Coppola beating Elaine Mangion after a lapse in the Raiders' defence.

Raiders had a gilt-edged chance to reduce the arrears and possibly claw themselves back into contention when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Atkins. However, the latter missed from the spot-kick to round off a disappointing day for her team.

Standings: Birkirkara 9; Hibernians, Melita 6; Raiders 3; Mosta, Rabat Ajax 0.

Leading scorers: D. Theuma, S. Caruana (Hibernians) 4 goals; K. Saliba (Hibs), C. Fenech (Birkirkara) 3; M. Zammit, A. Atkins (Raiders), D. Pisani (Birkirkara) 2 goals.

Next games at Pace Grasso (Sunday): 9 a.m. Mosta vs Hibernians; 11 a.m. Melita vs Birkirkara.