The FMA Premier League kicked off earlier this month with title hopefuls Lija Athletic and Hibs gaining straightforward victories over Valletta and Ħamrun Spartans respectively.

Both Lija and Hibs, two of the leading teams in the local futsal scene, have again bolstered their squads to improve their chances of winning the title.

Despite having several key players missing, Hibs tore the Spartans defence apart, scoring no fewer than nine goals in their opening game. Brazilian striker Ribeiro and experienced Bulgarian international Bobo Marek proved to be an effective tandem for Hibs.

Lija, formerly Naxxar Motors, also started with a bang after beating Valletta 7-1.

Captain Milijic Jovica scored a hat-trick for the winners.

Floriana marked their debut in the Premier Division with a 5-2 win over Sliema Wanderers.

The Greens may be new to the top category but they are already well-established in the game and have a host of interesting players with some also forming part of the futsal national squad.

Sliema, on the other hand, have made some important additions to their squad with former Malta midfielder George Mallia among their new acquisitions.

The game of the week was the clash between Żejtun Corinthians and Tarxien Rainbows.

The Corinthians had the last laugh after scoring a last-gasp goal to beat their opponents 3-2.

The game was balanced with both teams determined to take maximum points.

Żejtun started well to open a two-goal lead but Tarxien, led by another futsal international, Romanian Gabriel Dobre, kept their cool. They improved in the latter stages of the first half, scoring twice to level matters.

Both teams had their chances in the second half with Tarxien adopting the flying keeper strategy as they pressed forward.

But it was Żejtun who snatched a dramatic winner three seconds from time thanks to Jesmond Micallef.

Next Fixtures

Today:19.45 St Andrews vs Balzan; 21.15 Ħamrun vs Floriana.

Friday: 20.00 Sliema Wanderers vs Lija Athletic; 21.30 Valletta vs Żejtun Corinthians.