Hibs made to fight hard by Melita

Hibernians, the dominant side in the women's football league, maintained their supremacy last weekend after seeing off Melita 3-0 to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games this season.

Melita offered some stiff resistance which forced the champions to work harder to break the deadlock. However, Ylenia Carabott soon eased the pressure on the erstwhile disjointed leaders with a fine goal after being put through by Dionne Tonna.

This goal failed to dampen Melita's spirits though, as the underdogs launched a series of counter-breaks which could have yielded them an equaliser with better finishing in front of goal.

Zahra, the Hibs no.1, was alert to stop a Maria Azzopardi 15th-minute free-kick. Then, she was again called to action to deny a deserved goal for Melita.

Another dangerous Azzopardi free-kick was palmed onto the bar by Zahra, who quickly recouped her balance to block in quick succession Oriana Bedingfield's header and a Maria Coppola shot.

Hibs were a better team after the break. Lyndsay Shead had an effort cleared in time by the Melita defence but right on the hour it was 2-0 for the leaders, Sarah Caruana having the better of goalkeeper Tagliaferro with a low drive.

Caruana then made sure of the points with another goal for Hibs who had other chances to add to their tally until the final whistle.

In spite of their defeat, Melita deserve credit for playing a solid match throughout.

In the other match, Birkirkara consolidated their runners-up spot with a 4-0 rout of Raiders.

Two goals in each half were enough for the Stripes to chalk up their 10th victory of the championship and move within three points of Hibs, who, however, have a game in hand.

Rebecca D'Agostino and Eleonora Agliano notched a brace each for Birkirkara.

Sunday's matches: 9 a.m. Melita vs Mosta; 11 a.m. Rabat vs Hibs.

Leading scorers: 15 goals - Dorianne Theuma (Hibs); 13 goals - Sarah Caruana (Hibs); 11 goals - Chantalle Demanuele (Birkirkara); 10 goals - Amanda Atkins (Raiders), Rebecca D'Agostino (Birkirkara).