Women’s league resumes with Hibernians, Mġarr key clash

The Assikura Women’s League returns this weekend after a brief hiatus, with all eyes on the much-anticipated clash between league leaders Hibernians and fourth-placed Mġarr United.

This pivotal showdown comes on the heels of a break due to Malta’s national team commitments, during which they faced off against formidable opponents Italy.

Hibernians, who sit atop the league standings with 20 points from eight games, are eager to secure their position.

Kenneth Costantino’s side will be missing American defender Natalee Geren after her red card in their previous match, a tightly contested 0-0 draw with Swieqi United.

The Paolites currently lead champions Birkirkara by a narrow one-point margin, making this encounter crucial in their bid to maintain the top spot.

Mġarr, meanwhile, sit fourth with 15 points. Determined to close the gap to the top, Mġarr aim to avoid further setbacks and add to their 6-0 win over Mtarfa in their last league outing.

In another fixture, Birkirkara will take on Lija Athletic. The Stripes, trailing Hibernians by just one point with 19 in total, are keen to keep pressure on the leaders. Lija, currently on six points, will be looking to cause an upset as they face the champions.

Swieqi, led by Dorianne Theuma, have also shown promise and are positioned third on 16 points. They will be aiming to keep pace with the frontrunners as they face Valletta, who hold eight points following a close 1-0 win over Lija.

Rounding off the weekend’s fixtures, San Ġwann will go head-to-head with Mtarfa. San Ġwann, with seven points so far, will be looking to add to their tally, especially following their captain Annabelle Rapa’s 200th domestic appearance milestone. Mtarfa, still searching for their first point, will be hoping to turn their fortunes around.

FIXTURES

FRIDAY
Hibernians vs Mġarr United – 20.30, Mġarr Ground.
San Ġwann vs Mtarfa – 20.30, Victor Tedesco Stadium.

SATURDAY
Valletta vs Swieqi United – 2pm, Mġarr Ground.
Birkirkara vs Lija Athletic – 4.30pm, Mġarr Ground.

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STANDINGS

Hibernians 20; Birkirkara 19; Swieqi United 16; Mġarr United 15; Valletta 8; San Ġwann 7; Lija Athletic 6; Mtarfa 0.