Hibs women hit 10 to go four points clear

VALLETTA 0-10 HIBERNIANS
Alexis Espitia 28, 30 77; Joelma 33, 57, 90; Ileana Farrugia 43; Nicole Sciberras 58; Kayleigh Chetcuti 66; Yolande Attard 88

Hibernians took advantage of being the only top-four side to get into league action this weekend, going four points clear at the top after a big win over Valletta.

The Paolites had two players grabbing a hat-trick in Alexis Espitia and Joelma.

The other goals were registered by Ileana Farrugia, Nicole Sciberras, Kayleigh Chetcuti and Yolande Attard.

Sarah Vella Barberi made her Hibernians debut, registering two assists against her former side.

She joined the Paolites on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Swapping sides the other way is Rodianne Zerafa, who was handed a start by Valletta coach Jean Lopes on maiden appearance.

VALLETTA
G. Grima; M. La Rosa, A. Aloisio, M. Sultana, R. Zerafa, L. Muscat (80 H. Grima), Y. Grech (85 K. Zammit), E. Micallef, S. Blihi (85 S. Bonello Ghio), L. Vella, S. Fenech (60 A. Mifsud).
Coach: Jean Lopes.

HIBERNIANS
E. Harrington (77 M. Muscat); N. Geren, C. Ellul (68 M. Borg), A. Galea (77 I. Psaila), J. Dimech, A. Busuttil (68 S. Vella Barberi), K. Chetcuti, N. Sciberras, I. Farrugia (59 Y. Attard), A. Espitia, Joelma.
Coach: Kenneth Costantino.

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LIJA ATHLETIC 5-1 MTARFA
Leanne Micallef 12; Shakira Bugeja 21, 85; Kylie Pantalleresco 28; Vanessa Honorio 90 (L); Eliza Csik 47 (M)

Lija Athletic moved third from bottom with ninte points after securing a victory over Mtarfa, who remain without points.

Leanne Micallef opened the score with Shakira Bugeja and Kylie Pantalleresco extending the lead to three goals before half-time.

After the break, Eliza Csik pulled one back but two late goals by Bugeja and Vanessa Honorio wrapped up the win for Lija.

LIJA ATHLETIC
C. Pisani; L. Cassar, S. Caruana, M. Stagno (85 E. Lake), S. Bugeja, C. Deguara (65 K. Abela), K. Pantalleresco, N. Zarb Cousin, L. Micallef, V. Carneiro, Y. Azzopardi.
Coach: Jethron Azzopardi.

MTARFA
D. Grech; C. Versteegh (89 E. Gatt), N. Espinel, E. Csik, A. Fenech (J. Camilleri), E. Borg, K. Ciappara (46 S. Ghigo), M. Abdilla (89 K. Camilleri), S. Spiteri, P. Ciappara, R. Zammit.
Coach: Gaetano Papaleo.

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STANDINGS

Hibernians 26; Birkirkara, Swieqi United 22; Mġarr United 21; San Ġwann 13; Lija Athletic 9; Valletta 8; Mtarfa 0.