Birkirkara and Hibernians have preserved their championship leadership with victories over Kirkop United and Mġarr United respectively.

The Stripes broke little sweat in overcoming Kirkop 5-0. Tracy Teuma opened a two-goal lead for the defending champions within the first 24 minutes. League top scorer Raina Giusti scored her 17th goal of the season, virtually wrapping up the victory. Sarah Urpani and Kim Parnis rounded up the 5-0 victory in the closing stages. 

Meanwhile, Hibernians were handed a tougher task against third place Mġarr. In fact, the Paolites were trailing until 20 minutes from time when Shona Zammit levelled terms after Brenda Borg had put the Greens ahead. When everything was set for Birkirkara to take a narrow lead in the championship over Hibs, the latter snatched an injury-time winner through Jade Flask. 

Elsewhere, Raiders hit six past Tarxien Rainbows with Leanne Micallef grabbing a brace in the early stages of the game. After the change of ends, Anna Aloisio, Rebecca Vella, Monique Sultana and Kylie Monaco added four other goals to seal the win.

In the only game from the Relegation Pool, Fgura took maximum points against pointless Mosta. Janice Pace and Ilenia Navarro listed their names on the scoresheet for Fgura. 

STANDINGS:

Championship Pool: Birkirkara, Hibernians 28; Mġarr United 19; Raiders (Luxol) 16; Kirkop United 11; Tarxien Rainbows 8. 

Relegation Pool: Fgura United 10; Swieqi United 7; Mosta 0. 

NEXT FIXTURES:

Tuesday, February 20 - 8.15pm

Swieqi United vs Fgura United - Żebbuġ Ground

Mġarr United vs Tarxien Rainbows - Mġarr Ground

Hibernians vs Kirkop United - Charles Abela Stadium, Mosta

Wednesday, February 21 - 8.15pm

Raiders (Luxol) vs Birkirkara - Charles Abela Stadium, Mosta