Msida take full advantage of weekend setbacks to Floriana, Marsaxlokk and Pietà

Big battles seem to be looming ahead in the last four rounds of the first phase of the Premier League as the clubs – most of them – are jostling for positions before the start of the second phase.

As everyone is aware, the local league’s format takes a twist at the end of this first phase as the points of each team are deducted by half.

At present, it seems evident that Valletta, Sliema, Hibernians and Birkirkara have already secured their place in the Championship Pool (Top Six), while Lija Athletic and St Patrick are firm candidates for the Relegation Pool.

But there are four clubs – Floriana, Marsaxlokk, Pietà and Msida – who are battling it out for the remaining two places in the Championship Pool or to avoid the Relegation Pool and this should make the remaining matches more interesting.

It is evident from the above list of remaining matches that there are several direct matches which are still to be played and nothing can be taken for granted.

Meanwhile, the matches last weekend showed that on some occasions – especially on Saturday – our players are able to rise to the occasion and offer some decent fare to Ta’ Qali Stadium, or rather, Premier League, patrons.

The two matches on offer on Saturday at Ta’ Qali – Sliema-Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara-Floriana – were quite pleasant to watch and one sincerely hopes it was not just a one-off.

Without setting any houses on fire, however, Sliema just forgot all about the unexpected defeat against lowly Lija a few days before to overcome Marsaxlokk’s strong challenge.

The three points saw the Wanderers back on track, closing the gap on leaders Valletta though they still have today’s match in hand.

Sliema had Danilo Doncic – and Murphy Akanji – to thank for the three points. Doncic returned to scoring form after a lean patch, scoring two great headed goals, while Akanji was supreme between the sticks, denying Marsaxlokk what would have been a deserved equaliser.

The southern seasiders failed to take at least one point from this encounter, but will certainly be among the protagonists in the forthcoming matches, especially with a player of the calibre of Mitko Trendafilov among their ranks.

Judging from the first two matches he has played so far, the veteran Bulgarian not only scored in each match, but also confirmed that he will be a great asset to the side, also showing that he will definitely one of the best foreigners who have graced our Premier League since it started. His contributions in the set-pieces and his vision of the game make him a top player locally. He has already become a hero at Marsaxlokk and a delight to watch in our stadia.

The day before, Valletta ran riot against bottom placed St Patrick, scoring five goals without reply.

Ironically, it was after they had goalie Sean Sullivan sent off for a professional foul that they scored their five goals, but there was no question about their superiority, even though they also had star striker Gilbert Agius missing through injury.

St Patrick only resisted until the first goal. In the opening minutes they had somehow survived a full blast barrage from the citizens during which goalkeeper Alan Camilleri denied them on at least four occasions with some splendid saves.

But when he was beaten for the first time, the whole team collapsed and Valletta never appeared to be playing with a man fewer on the field of play.

Birkirkara were made to fight hard for the three points by an energetic Floriana side, though the Stripes’ win was a merited one.

They were certainly a superior side to the Greens who were full of enthusiasm but not as experienced as Birkirkara.

The two sides had a newcomer each among their ranks – Etienne Barbara for Birkirkara and Mauro Brincat for Floriana – but neither player managed to hit the headlines.

No one expected them to do so after having signed for their new clubs just a few hours before. We still have to wait for the forthcoming matches to see what impact they will make on their respective new sides.

On Sunday, Hibernians were also made to fight hard for the three points by a stubborn Pietà side, for whom Ivan Woods was making his final appearance – today he will be in the Sliema squad to face St Patrick at the Centenary Stadium.

The Paolites are back in third place, just ahead of Birkirkara but within sight of the leaders. They are certainly gaining in confidence and Robert Gatt’s side simply cannot be ignored in the hunt for the title, at least at present.

On the other hand, Pietà have had their positive run halted and will now have to beat Msida in their next match to keep their hopes of a top six place alive.

They are aware of a very tough last three matches in the form of Floriana, Sliema and Valletta where they will need to produce all their skills – without top scorer Ivan Woods – to make it to the Championship Pool.

Msida St Joseph also did well to beat Lija Athletic, thus profiting from the slips of the clubs above them, that is Floriana, Pietà and Marsaxlokk – they all lost at the weekend.

The Saints are still in a challenging position and with four matches to go, they are aware that only three points separate Floriana (fifth place) and Msida (eighth) and everything is still quite possible.

Lija failed to produce the magic form they showed against Sliema a few days before. Msida were prepared for any such eventuality and only allowed their opponents to get a consolation goal in the dying moments of the game.