Hibs keep pressure on leaders Birkirkara
Raiders beat Rabat to gain fourth win
Hibernians opened their Group A commitments with a comfortable 2-0 win over Mosta to keep the pressure on leaders Birkirkara. In Group B, Sliema Raiders eased past Rabat Ajax by three clear goals.
On Tuesday, Hibernians had no trouble beating Mosta to join Birkirkara at the top of the standings. The Stripes have a game in hand.
Prior to kick-off, Hibs' player Lesley Ann Galea was presented with a memento to commemorate her 100th appearance for the Paolites.
Hibs could not have had a better start as they took the lead inside the opening two minutes. Dorianne Theuma's teasing cross from a corner was met by Ylenia Carabott whose header was partially blocked by goalkeeper Sharon Costantino. The rebound fell to Maria Azzopardi who tucked the ball home.
Mosta responded four minutes later but Jane Coates's low drive came off the upright.
It was Hibernians who doubled their advantage on 17 minutes when Azzopardi's throughball released Carabott who flicked the ball over Costantino and into the net.
The Paolites, now in total control, could have added to their lead but Rebecca Chircop and Theuma failed to hit the target.
Hibs maintained the initiative after the interval. Six minutes into the second half, Costantino failed to hold on to Caruana's firm drive, Carabott pounced on the loose ball but her effort was cleared off the line by Vanessa Deguara.
Mosta created their best scoring chance on 69 minutes when Coates's shot from a free-kick brought a fine save from Hibs goalkeeper Rita Tagliaferro.
On Wednesday, Sliema Raiders chalked up their fourth win of the campaign after seeing off Rabat Ajax. Sliema were the better team during the first half and only some fine interventions from Rabat goalkeeper Christine Galea denied them a breakthrough.
The Raiders' pressure finally produced an opener on 52 minutes when Sonia Farrugia caught goalkeeper Galea out of position and beat her with an accurate lob.
Seven minutes later, a firm drive from Amanda Atkins cannoned off the Rabat woodwork but the Sliema player had better fortune three minutes later when she struck her team's second goal with a strong effort.
Atkins was on target again ten minutes from time to secure Sliema's win with a third goal.
Leading scorers:
Y. Carabott (Hibs) 12 goals
S. Caruana (Hibs) 9 goals
D. Theuma (Hibernians),
A. Atkins (Sliema) 8 goals
C. Dalli (Sta Venera) 7 goals
Next matches: Tuesday, Group A - 7.30 p.m. Birkirkara vs Melita. Wednesday, Group B - 7.30 p.m. Sta Venera vs Rabat Ajax.