Champions Sliema Wanderers were back to winning form yesterday as they beat southern seasiders Marsaxlokk by the odd goal in three.

The Blues remain in second place but have reduced the gap with leaders Valletta to just three points and they have one match in hand.

It was a difficult match for the Wanderers, considering the circumstances, especially their recent results.

In the first half, Sliema showed much more determination than of late, even if they had to concede midfield to a more energetic Trendafilov, Camilleri and Mamo. And the Blues also showed more precision in front of goal, especially Danilo Doncic, who returned to scoring form, netting two headers.

Marsaxlokk had much more of the play, but they were found wanting up front where Nigerian youngster Michael Ochei, on his debut, failed to make an impact though he showed some good flashes.

As for Bulgarian midfielder Mitko Trendatilov, he has already become the darling of the Marsaxlokk fans. And he seems to be one of the best ever foreigners that have graced the local Premier League in the last 10 years at least.

In the Sliema defence, Brincat took the place of Laferla when the latter was substituted midway through the half, allowing the young and promising Muscat to take his place on the right flank with Anonam back to his preferred midfield place on the left.

In the second half, play degenerated a lot and though Marsaxlokk pressed hard for an equaliser, they only rarely troubled goalie Akanji as Sliema kept firm control at the back.

It was only in the late stages that they went close but Akanji denied them twice to give the three points to his side.

Marsaxlokk started the match on attack and went close to snatching the lead on the second minute. A Trendafilov low cross was missed by Licari, all alone in front of Akanji.

On the 14th minute a low Anonam cross had Shawn Tellus in difficulty, but his strange header was saved by Casha.

Sliema took the lead on 18 minutes. From a perfect Turner cross, it was Doncic, completely unmarked, who headed home.

Marsaxlokk did not take too long to reply with a well executed equaliser. On 29 minutes, Trendafilov exchanged the ball with Kevin Mamo to hit home past a helpless Akanji for his second goal in two matches.

Sliema were back in the lead on 37 minutes. Muscat set Mangion on the right and the latter’s cross found Doncic perfectly placed to head past Ivan Casha.

On 61 minutes, Marsaxlokk threatened seriously first through Malcolm Licari who had a shot blocked. Then it was Kevin Mamo who just failed to connect to the loose ball on the edge of the small box.

Georgiev substituted the injured Ochei on 69 minutes and only two minutes later, the Bulgarian had the equaliser in his pockets after receiving a good cross from Trendafilov. But he skied the ball from an ideal position.

On 77 minutes, Pace bustled his way through the Sliema defence only to see his effort being blocked by the diving Akanji. And soon after, the Nigerian goalie was again a protagonist as he spectacularly turned to corner Jamie Pace’s fine dipper.

On 86 minutes, as Marsaxlokk insisted, Zammit also had a shot going just wide.