Valletta and Hibernians both won their matches the past weekend with the result that the citizens maintained their six-point lead with just three matches to go. The Whites have therefore moved a step closer to a second consecutive title. In the battle for third place, Floriana and Birkirkara lost their encounters this weekend and the Greens retain their one-point lead. At the other end of the standings, Qormi and Hamrun made practically sure of staying at least another season among the elite with important and crucial wins. The relegation struggle is now restricted to three teams – Mosta, Tarxien and Mqabba – with only three points separating them.

Henry Brincat takes a look at what happened the past weekend.

Valletta are very close to claiming a second consecutive title after they beat Birkirkara on Sunday to retain the six-point lead over Hibernians.

The Paolites had beaten Floriana 1-0 on Saturday, thus putting pressure on the leaders.

The coming weekend will be very important for Valletta could be crowned champions if they beat Sliema and Hibernians fail to win against Birkirkara.

Valletta beat the Stripes without setting any houses on fire even if they were still the best team on the field of play.

The citizens are now more than determined to keep marching towards another title win and I doubt who can match their talents at present.

The Stripes simply had no reply after Michael Mifsud’s 15th minute goal. They never reacted seriously and it was Valletta who appeared to be more determined and in search of the points.

Hibernians had to fight hard to win the three points against Floriana on Saturday. It was that Cohen goal midway through the first half that decided the issue.

Despite the defeat, Floriana remained a point ahead of the Stripes in the battle for the third place.

The two teams were on the losing end at the weekend but while Floriana lamented over a disallowed goal that might have turned the result into a positive one for them, Birkirkara failed miserably against Valletta.

Floriana must be considered firm favourites now especially if they beat bottom placed Balzan in their forthcoming fixture next weekend. With Birkirkara facing another tough clash against Hibernians, it is possible that the Greens stretch their lead further over the Stripes before the final two matches.

With the two teams being ascertained of their berth in the Europa League, their motivation seems to be lacking. However, a third place is always better than finishing fourth.

Qormi and Hamrun Spartans made a bold step forward in their battle to avoid relegation. They beat Tarxien Rainbows and Marsaxlokk respectively to distance themselves further from their three followers, that is, Mosta, Tarxien and Mqabba, none of whom managed to win maximum points.

Mosta squandered a two-goal lead in their match against Mqabba who scored a last gasp equaliser to keep their hopes of avoiding the Drop alive.

The Blues should blame themselves for dropping two valuable points. In fact, they remain just three points above Mqabba with three matches remaining.

The same may be said of Tarxien Rainbows who remained three points above Mqabba.

The Rainbows had to bow their heads to a superior Qormi side which, however, failed to make sure of their victory early in the match, after having taken a fourth minute lead.

The most important thing for Stephen Azzopardi’s boys is that they won the three points, but they must also be aware that now they need just one point to make sure of their stay for at least another year in the Premier League.

The same applies to Hamrun Spartans, though the latter need a victory to ascertain themselves of retaining their status, of course also depending on the results of the other teams’ matches.

This is why I say that the battle now seems to be restricted to three teams. At present, Mqabba have 18 points with Tarxien and Mosta on 21 points.

The following is the sequence of remaining matches for the three teams:

Mosta (21): v. Tarxien R., v. Marsaxlokk, v. Qormi.

Tarxien R. (21): v. Mosta, v. Hamrun S., v. Marsaxlokk.

Mqabba (18): v. Marsaxlokk; v. Qormi, v. Hamrun S.