Birkirkara beat Mġarr, Hibernians stay perfect in women’s league

Birkirkara needed a late goal from Gabriella Zahra to despatch of rivals Mġarr United and pick up their first three points of the season.

Last week, the defending champions launched their title defense with a 1-1 draw against Swieqi United and Jose Borg’s side was looking to record their first win of the season.

The victory has lifted the Stripes above Mġarr who remain with three points, collected in last week’s season opener against San Ġwann.

Highly-experienced defender Charlene Zammit returned to the starting formation, forming the central defensive partnership with fellow Malta international and club captain Stephania Farrugia.

Goalscorer Zahra was deployed in the midfield department, scoring the goal on minute 76.

Mġarr, on their part, named a strong starting formation including captain Brenda Borg, last season’s league top scorer Francesca Chircop and newly-signed Yulya Carella – who scored a hat-trick on her club’s debut last week.

Hibernians kept their perfect start after winning their second consecutive game 7-0 against San Ġwann – an identical score to last week’s win against Mtarfa.

Coach Keith Gouder made two changes from last week’s formation with Emma Zammit and Alessia Caschetto given the nod in the four-player backline.

A San Ġwann’s own goal paved the way for the Paolites with Rodianne Zerafa, Caschetto and Martina Borg opening a four-goal lead in the first half.

After the interval, Zerafa scored a personal brace while Alexis Espitia and Aleksandra Georgieva also found the net.

San Ġwann also made some changes from their opening game against Mġarr including Ivana Schembri between the sticks and Brooke Zarb – Malta U-19’s women’s assistant coach -as midfielder.

Elsewhere, Raiders Lija launched their season commitments with a 4-0 win over Mtarfa at the Centenary Stadium.

Lexine Farrugia, who joined the club from Birkirkara during the summer transfer activity, scored a brace early in the first half.

Denis Guerra’s side added two more goals in the second half through Anna Aloisio and Sarah Vella Barberi.

For this game, coach Guerra put youngster Francesca Bartolo for her senior debut after joining the club from Żebbuġ Rangers.

Mtarfa, on their part, had some new faces introduced in their starting line-up from last week’s game against Hibernians. Maria Abdilla replaced Dorienne Grech as goalkeepeer while coach Simon Spiteri gave the club’s first appearance to Mariah Sant – in the process, she made her debut at this level as well.

Photo: Birkirkara FC.