Leaders Birkirkara take on second-placed Swieqi United

Champions Birkirkara resume their commitments this week as the BOV Women’s League returns following the international break. The Stripes face second-placed Swieqi United in a clash that could see Birkirkara edge closer to their fifth straight title. The match will be played today at the Dingli Ground (kick-off: 20.45).  Last week, the Malta women’s national team was involved in the first edition of the VisitMalta Women’s Trophy. Led by Mark Gatt, 85th-ranked Malta hosted Slovakia (ranked 45th in the world ) and giants Sweden (rank 5). Malta lost to Slovakia (4-0) and Sweden (3-0), with the Swedes winning this tournament after beating Austria 6-1 in their opener. Birkirkara are closing in on another league success having won all 12 league games so far. The Stripes lead on 36 points, eight points ahead their opponents Swieqi. Melania Bajada’s side has scored a staggering 70 goals so far and boast the best defensive record, with just three goals conceded. Swieqi, on their part, have moved into second place after beating Mġarr United in their direct encounter as they have 28 points with nine wins and one draw. Both Birkirkara and Swieqi are at the back of wins following a 6-0 win over Mtarfa and 3-1 victory against Raiders Għargħur respectively. Third-place Mġarr will be eyeing a win against Mosta to keep their hopes of a top-two finish alive. The Greens have won eight games from their 12 outings, scoring 41 goals in the process thanks in large to the contribution of Francesca Chircop who is the league’s top scorer. On the other hand, Mosta are coming from a 1-1 draw against Kirkop United as they have now seven points from 12 games. Elsewhere, Kirkop meet bottom side Mtarfa. The Reds are currently fourth on 16 points whereas Mtarfa, led by former Birkirkara coach Shawn Meilak, are still looking for their first points. PROGRAMME TODAYMĠARR GROUND – 20.30Mġarr United vs Mosta DINGLI GROUND – 20.45Swieqi United vs Birkirkara TOMORROW MĠARR GROUND – 20.30Mtarfa vs Kirkop UnitedSTANDINGS (12 games played):Birkirkara 36; Swieqi United 28; Mġarr United 25; Kirkop United 16; Raiders Għargħur 12; Mosta 7; Mtarfa 0.