Swieqi beat resilient Raiders as Kirkop overcome Mosta

Title challengers Swieqi United joined Mġarr United at the top of the women’s championship after earning a hard-fought 2-0 win over Raiders Għargħur.

The Oranges had to sweat more than expected to secure the three points against a resilient Raiders team.

Led by Keith Gouder, Swieqi forged ahead after two minutes following a close-range finish from Jade Flask. Nonetheless, Raiders had no intentions playing second fiddle to their opponents as they tried to stage a reaction in search for an equaliser.

Swieqi, on their part, could not break down their opponents’ backline but they were coming close to a second in the dying stages when Charlene Zammit had a header blocked by goalkeeper Justyne Caruana.

Moments later, a flick from inside the penalty box by striker Ruth Steer Chetham wrapped up the win.

Elsewhere, Kirkop United secured a 3-1 comeback victory over Mosta to join champions Birkirkara on nine points.

The Blues drew first blood through a sixth-minute goal by Francesca Zarb. Before half-time, Kirkop levelled terms thanks to Rosalie Borg.

After the break, former Mosta player Rossella D’Antuono gave Kirkop the lead before forward Rodianne Zerafa struck her eighth goal of the season and seal the win for Jochen Lenders’ side.

STANDINGS

Mġarr United (6 games), Swieqi United (6) 13; Birkirkara (3), Kirkop United (5) 9; Raiders Għargħur (6), Mosta (5) 6; Mtarfa (5) 0.

Photo: Stephen Gatt