For a long time, Birkirkara and Hibernians was a rivalry that set up memorable clashes and close-affair title races, not to mention the cup finals that both teams contended throughout the years.
The two sides will renew this classic match when they meet for the second time this season as the Assikura Women’s League continues with Matchday 11.
In the reverse fixture, Birkirkara had to wait until the final 10 minutes to grab a couple of goals through Ann-Marie Said and Stephania Farrugia and pick up the three points.
The Stripes, led by coach Jose Borg, have continued to flex their muscles this season as they sit at the top of the championship with 20 points after eight outings.
Last week, they opened a three-point lead above Swieqi United after easing past San Ġwann 9-0.
Hibernians, on their part, trail the Stripes by four points having played an extra game as well.
Keith Gouder’s side are at the back of a commanding showing against Mġarr United. However, they will be ruing their missed chances as they could only claim a single point in their 1-1 draw against the Greens.
Hibernians have a better offensive record than Birkirkara with the Paolites scoring 31 goals. On the other hand, though, the Stripes conceded just two goals – the championship’s best defensive record together with Swieqi, while Hibernians shipped in nine.
In another intriguing clash, Mġarr and Raiders Lija will rub shoulders at the former’s home venue.
In their latest outings, Mġarr picked up a point against Hibernians while Raiders defeated San Ġwann 8-0 to secure their fifth win of the season and pipping the Greens to fourth place.
Both teams have scored 21 goals, with Raiders’ Lexine grabbing nine of them as the currently tops the championship’s scoring charts.
While Raiders conceded eight, Mġarr let in just seven goals as this game promises to be a tight one.
Elsewhere, Swieqi will be looking to keep the heat on Birkirkara as they face bottom side San Ġwann.
Judith Kuipers’ side are at the back of a 5-0 win over Mtarfa as they cemented their chief attacking record, now 36 goals in eight league games.
Source: MFA
Photos: Joe Borg and Brandon Bonett
