Valletta were undoubtedly the big winners the past weekend. The results of the two main matches mean that the Citizens have moved to just one point away from Sliema at the top and, at the same time, they have also seen Birkirkara being almost completely eliminated from the race for the title.

The results, including Hibs’ 3-1 win over Marsaxlokk, show Sliema leading Valletta by one point, Hibernians six points and Birkirkara seven points.

Unless there is a complete reversal of fortunes in the forthcoming matches, I cannot see either Hibernians or Birkirkara challenging for the title. With just seven matches to go till the end of the campaign, it will be difficult for the two sides to bridge the gap though, admittedly, everything is still quite possible.

On Saturday, added time proved to be the decisive factor. Valletta scored their winner against Floriana in the sixth minute of added time, while Sliema equalised against Birkirkara from a penalty in the 93rd minute, that is, the final minute of added time.

In the Valletta-Floriana match, it seemed as if Valletta were to lose some precious points as the 10-man Floriana appeared heading for an unlikely draw.

In fact, despite all their territorial superiority, Valletta had failed to break down the well-organised Floriana defence and it had to be a set-piece (a cornerkick) which enabled them to conquer the Greens for the umpteenth time, though this time, really at the final post.

The Greens were unlucky. It was a case of being so close to obtaining their first points in the Championship Pool. Yet they are still far from achieving that.

Nigerian striker Anthony Evi Parker still has not yet settled down in his new surroundings. He seemed to be naïve at times, and although most of Floriana’s chances fell to him, he never capitalised.

Yet the victory enabled the Whites to move to within just one point of Sliema after the latter were held to (or rather just squeezed) a draw against their rivals Birkirkara.

A Stripes win would have opened the issue wide, but it was not to be as Sliema’s equaliser from that last-gasp penalty through Ivan Woods, assured them that Birkirkara remain seven points adrift of the top.

In the first half, the Stripes took command of midfield where Precious Monye made his presence felt with a five-star display.

Birkirkara had failed to penetrate the Blues defence in the first half, but in the second half, they seemed to have reaped their reward when Mifsud Triganza headed past Akanji to put them ahead.

Sliema, however, fought back strongly and led by Giglio and Turner in midfield, they launched several attacks before eventually being rewarded for their efforts.

All in all, I think it was a fair result which, however, will certainly disappoint the Birkirkara clan, much more than that of the Wanderers.

On Sunday, Hibernians moved back into third place by beating Marsaxlokk 3-1, thus also returning to winning form after the 3-0 debacle against Valletta the previous week.

The Paolites showed that they are still to be reckoned with and, on their day, they could prove to be difficult opponents for the leading duo.

So far it seems as if the title fight is restricted to a two-horse race between Sliema and Valletta, but Hibs and Birkirkara, apart from the interest in second and third places, will also be on the lookout for any slip by the leaders.

At the far end of the table, St Patrick boosted their hopes of avoiding the Big Drop by beating Pieta Hotspurs by two clear goals.

It was a merited victory for the Zabbar side which has now closed the gap with Pieta to three points and with Msida to two when they still have four matches to play.

In this sector of the championship, it seems obvious that all the four teams are battling it out to avoid the Big Drop and the forthcoming Msida-Lija encounter could provide a clearer picture at the weekend.

Player of the week

Massimo Grima (Valletta)

The former Pieta and Sliema defender, now also back in the national squad, is my pick after his five-star performance in the match against Floriana.

Grima was roaming everywhere on the pitch. He could be seen in defence, in midfield and in attack, not to mention the flanks as well.

He led the side from the back and his never-say-die spirit was exemplary from the very first whistle.

It was not a surprise that he crowned his performance with a super important goal – the winner – apart from having been named Man of the Match.

Coach of the Week

Boris Giorev (St Patrick)

Bulgarian mentor ‘Bobby’ Giorev is my selection this week after leading his side to a very important victory in the Relegation battle against Pieta.

It was a do-or-die victory for the Saints who would have lost all hope of salvation with a defeat.

But what is more important is the fact that the team’s mentor managed to motivate his players after their recent unexpected defeat against Lija.

The Saints are now definitely breathing more freely and are well placed to offer a strong challenge to both Pieta and Msida, if not Lija as well.