Champions open with 1-0 win over Mosta

Champions Hibernians started their title defence with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mosta at the Pace Grasso Ground on Sunday.

Sarah Caruana scored the only goal of the game after 20 minutes. Joanne Vella headed the ball towards Caruana and the latter fired a shot past Esther Farrugia.

Mosta goalkeeper Farrugia was perhaps the best player on the pitch as she denied the Hibs forwards time and again with some timely interventions. Midway through the second half, a Dorianne Theuma effort for Hibernians crashed against the crossbar.

In Sunday's other match, Birkirkara maintained their perfect start to the season, beating Melita 1-0.

This match unfolded into a balanced affair.

Birkirkara's Rebecca D'Agostino fashioned a free-kick which was saved by Melita goalkeeper Axiaq in the 15th minute. Melita came closest to taking the lead through Oriana Bedingfield whose shot missed the target.

However, when everything was pointing towards a goalless stalemate, three minutes from the end of normal time Birkirkara's Eleonora Agliano finished off a swift counter-attack with a low shot that had the better of goalkeeper Axiaq.

There was little time left for Melita to rally as Birkirkara held on to their lead to move top of the standings on six points. This was Melita's first upset after they won their opening match.