Birkirkara girls return to action against leaders Swieqi

After a long absence from BOV Women’s League action, champions Birkirkara will take centre-stage in an important clash with current league leaders Swieqi United on Wednesday at the Mġarr Ground (kick-off: 20.30). The championship resumes today after the international break that saw the national women’s team earn the plaudits for their wins away to Georgia and Israel in their final UEFA Women’s EURO qualifiers. For Birkirkara, this will be their first match since the 3-0 win over Mġarr United on October 27. A UEFA Women’s Champions League trip to Romania and the postponement of three league games due to COVID-19 issues followed after the Mġarr victory, with the Stripes now having to play four games in two weeks, starting with Wednesday’s game against the Oranges. Led by Melania Bajada, the Stripes currently sit in third position with nine points after their opening three wins. They have scored 17 goals and are the only team to have kept a clean sheet in every game they have been involved in. Swieqi, on their part, are joint leaders with Mġarr on 13 points after playing six games. Under the guidance of coach Keith Gouder, the Oranges have managed to find the net 19 times and conceded just twice. They are on the back of a hard-fought 2-0 win over Raiders Għargħur, thanks to Jade Flask and Ruth Steer Chetham’s contribution. Meanwhile, Mġarr take on Mosta in one of today’s games at their home ground (kick-off: 15.30). The Greens, whose four wins in the league have enabled them to share top spot with Swieqi, scored four points in the following two games after the Birkirkara defeat. A goalless stalemate against Swieqi United and a 2-1 win over an in-form Kirkop United side saw Mġarr move to 13 points. Forward Francesca Chircop is currently the league top scorer with eight goals. On the other hand, Mosta have only three points to show for their efforts after five league games as they sit second bottom. Their most recent league outing was a 3-1 defeat to Kirkop, fourth with nine points after five matches. The Reds face Mtarfa, who are still looking for their first points of the season, on Tuesday at the Dingli Ground (kick-off: 15.30). Mtarfa, who are making their maiden appearance in the senior league, have found the going tough so far in the women’s top flight. PROGRAMME TODAY – 15.30DINGLI GROUNDKirkop United vs MtarfaMĠARR GROUNDMosta vs Mġarr United TOMORROW – 20.30MĠARR GROUNDBirkirkara vs Swieqi United MD8 bye: Raiders Għargħur.