Hibs one point away from sixth title on the trot

Champions Hibernians are one point away from their sixth consecutive title after a 3-0 victory over Mosta gave them their 13th success in as many matches.

The Paolites' umpteenth three-pointer took their tally for the season to 39 points, three more than current runners-up Birkirkara who have played a game more than their rivals. Last Sunday, the Stripes had the better of Melita 3-0.

Hibernians' superiority over Mosta was not immediately evident in Sunday's encounter as the opening stages were balanced but as the minutes passed by, the stronger the leaders grew.

Esther Farrugia, the Mosta goalkeeper, saved a shot from Dorianne Theuma after seven minutes but not much time elapsed before the Hibs striker hit the jackpot. On 15 minutes, Kathleen Saliba's pass sent Theuma racing into the Mosta box before she beat Farrugia with a low shot.

Three minutes later, Mosta created a good chance when Roxanne Gatt directed the ball towards Jane Coates but Hibs goalkeeper Michelle Zahra ran out of goal to clear the danger in time.

Mosta's hopes of staging a recovery were killed off by Theuma's agility. The Hibs striker struck her side's second goal on 21 minutes, forcing her way past Vella and Farrugia before planting the ball into the net with another fine finish. Theuma's second strike against Mosta was the 94th goal of her career.

Hibernians remained the better side after the interval, Dionne Tonna heading just over a corner-kick from Theuma on 57 minutes.

Midway through the second half, the score became 3-0 in favour of Hibs. Tessie Agius profited from a glaring mistake by Mosta goalkeeper Farrugia and lobbed the ball into an unguarded net.

Tristan Farrugia was the match's referee.

In the second match, controlled by Feodor Zammit, Birkirkara's victory over Melita was never in doubt as the Stripes dictated the pace of the game from start to finish. Melita's only goalscoring chance in the entire match came on 35 minutes but Roberta Girard hastened her conclusion and Dimech saved.

Birkirkara had taken the lead after just 12 minutes. Eleonora Agliano recovered possession after a mistake by the Melita defence and beat Tagliaferro with a rising shot.

Tagliaferro then denied Birkirkara a second goal with saves from Rebecca D'Agostino and Elaine Bonnici.

Five minutes into the second half, Birkirkara moved two goals ahead thanks to Agliano's tap-in from D'Agostino's inviting cross. On 64 minutes, Agliano reciprocated the compliment when sending D'Agostino clean through but the latter fired wide. Birkirkara were all over Melita now and their pressure produced a third goal through D'Agostino who pounced on another mix-up in the Melita defence.

Leading scorers: Dorianne Theuma (Hibs) 18 goals; Sarah Caruana (Hibs) 15; Rebecca D'Agostino (Birkirkara) 14; Chantalle Demanuele (Birkirkara) 12; Amanda Atkins (Raiders) 10.

Sunday's fixtures: 9 a.m. Hibernians vs Raiders; 11 a.m. Rabat Ajax vs Mosta.