Sliema Wanderers are enjoying a six-point lead at the top of the standings with just one more match to go before the points are deducted by half at the start of the second stage.

They remain chased by three immediate followers, that is, Valletta, Hibernians and Birkirkara who are separated by just two points – a situation which will probably make the start of the second phase, at least, very interesting.

Though it is not an ideal format and one which makes justice with those who are on top at the end of the first phase, one must admit that it also brings back excitement and interest as it gives a second chance to the teams behind the leaders.

This year, it seems as if it will be the first time that there will be at least four clubs challenging for the title. And with a Sliema-Floriana match still on the programme, it is obvious that a victory for the Greens will see Floriana (and Marsaxlokk) joining the others, if not for the League title, then on the Euro trail, as they will also be close enough to challenge for the second place which will mean direct entry into next season’s UEFA Cup.

Sliema, as after all expected, got the better of lowly Pieta by the odd goal in five, even if they had to play with a man short for 78 minutes, after central defender Darren Debono saw red after only 12 minutes.

The Blues’ win also meant that they pushed Pieta into the Relegation Pool where they will play alongside Msida St Joseph, St Patrick and Lija Athletic.

The Hotspurs might not have expected better after having parted with some of their best players including Saviour Darmanin, Branco Nisevic, Ivan Woods, Anatole Debono and Cleaven Frendo.

They will now have to fight to avoid relegation, but they still seem to have enough talent among their ranks to be able to avoid the Drop.

Sliema had to rely on Doncic’s scoring talents in this match to avoid what could have been a real setback. But even in 10 men, they confirmed their strength once again, as was the case the previous week against Hibernians.

Valletta suffered the second defeat in as many matches as they lost 2-1 to a strong Hibernians side which has shown the most consistency in this second round of the first phase.

The Paolites, in fact, have become serious challengers for the title after having passed through a sour patch in the first phase where they lost a good number of points.

One thing is certain. Their squad is very competitive and there is no doubt that all their opponents will be giving them a lot of respect in the second phase.

The same may be said of Valletta who, despite the defeat, can still offer valid opposition to any team.

The citizens still have to see the best of the returning Nigerian striker Chris Oretan, but this will probably happen when Gilbert Agius is back to full fitness.

One positive aspect in this Valletta side seems to be the inclusion of Branco Nisevic at the back. He has inserted himself with authority and should give coach JJ Aquilina more options, such as giving Massimo Grima more free movement to help the ailing midfield sector.

Birkirkara crept closer to Valletta and Hibernians and are now just two points off the second place.

As expected, they beat Lija’s stubborn resistance with a certain amount of ease, even if they had to play without William Camenzuli in the second half – he was rightly ordered off for a hard tackle.

The Stripes seem to have regained their peak form, right on time for the start of the second phase.

Marsaxlokk also consolidated their sixth place with a 2-1 victory against a battling Msida side.

Although their hopes for the title may be very remote, however, they are well aware that they will still be in a good position to challenge for the second place, at least initially.

The side has grown in confidence with the arrival last month of Andre Schembri and Cleaven Frendo.

I am sure the southern seasiders will provide a lot of obstacles to the front runners for the title.

Player of the week

Andrew Cohen (Hibernians)

This youngster wins the honour this week after another good performance against Valletta on Friday night. He scored the two goals that enabled Hibs to win 2-1 after they had been 1-0 in arrears at the interval.

Cohen confirmed that he is passing through a great patch in his career and it is obvious that his callup with the national squad earlier in the season was the required fillip to push him forward to achieve better levels.

He is really proving his worth and has now become an automatic choice in Robert Gatt’s side after having been very irregular in the past three seasons or so.

Coach of the week

Robert Gatt (Hibernians)

The Paolites’ coach is an obvious choice after his side’s come from behind win over Valletta on Friday night.

Gatt has had to do without the talented Andre Schembri for most of the first stage until the youngster was transferred to Marsaxlokk during the January transfer window.

Despite this setback, Gatt still managed to produce a strong side which has moved up the table swiftly in the second round and is now occupying joint second place and also in a strong position to offer a veritable challenge for the league title.

To all the other title chasers: Beware Robert Gatt and his Hibernians squad!