Although there is still a full second round to be played before the end of the campaign, it is looking more than evident that Sliema will probably win their third consecutive Malta title.

The fifth round of matches of this second phase at the week end saw them extending their lead at the top of the standings by another point, even if they were made to struggle by Hibernians to obtain a point with a late goal.

They are certainly enjoying life at the top of the standings as, after their draw with Hibs, their main challengers Valletta lost further ground in the match that followed after being beaten by Birkirkara by the odd goal in three.

This means that Sliema are now enjoying a five-point lead over second placed Valletta, seven points over third placed Birkirkara and eight over Hibernians.

It is a situation which will allow Sliema to play with a certain amount of tranquillity at the start of the second round. With their opening matches featuring opponents Floriana and Marsaxlokk – the bottom two clubs – they seem to have a great opportunity to almost seal the issue, leaving the remaining three to battle it out for the next placings – second, third and fourth.

In fact, that promises to be the real battle in the second round with only three points separating second placed Valletta and fourth placed Hibernians.

It should not be forgotten that the second place guarantees the final occupier a place in next season’s UEFA Cup.

In the past weekend, Hibernians missed a good chance to reduce the gap with the Wanderers and Valletta as they allowed the champions to hit back with a late equaliser.

That Alex Muscat goal saved a point for Sliema, but it meant the loss of two for Hibernians who are therefore out of the reckoning once again.

The Paolites must blame themselves for having missed the opportunity which presented itself. In fact, despite having to play without the suspended Terence Scerri, they had several clearcut chances to make sure of the result before Sliema finally produced that equaliser.

In fact, soon after opening the scoring from a penalty, Andrew Cohen had two good chances to seal the issue but he fluffed both opportunities.

However, it must be said that the Wanderers did not deserve to lose either. In fact, they also had their fair share of the play and, despite Hibs’ tight marking, they still had their own chances. They were also unlucky to see the post denying them on three occasions, but all in all, a draw was a fair result.

In the match that followed, one expected Valletta to give their all in an effort to collect three important points which would have pushed them to within just two points of the Wanderers.

But it was not to be as Birkirkara fought bravely all the way in the final 30 minutes to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory.

The victory may keep Birkirkara hoping for a miracle, but the reality is that they still have a big mountain to climb. A seven-point gap to bridge in just five games is definitely no joke, although not impossible!

In this match, both teams were far from impressive and on such form they do not deserve to be in a challenging position for the title.

The match fell far below the levels expected from these two sides. It is true that the coaches of both sides were intent on the three points rather than offering a spectacle, but then, was the public impressed with the standard of play on offer? Certainly not.

For the citizens, it was the second defeat in a row and I fear that they will soon be losing further ground if they do not show the required improvement or the form they had been showing in the second round of the first phase.

On Sunday, Marsaxlokk registered their first victory in the Championship Pool as they beat Floriana by a solitary goal netted by the Greens’ former player Sean Bajada.

It was a balanced match in which both sides had their chances. At the end, it was Bajada’s goal that separated them.

However, one must mention the fact that Floriana were denied at least a draw by the great goalkeeping of Reuben Debono who showed one and all that his skills have not abandoned him though having been on the substitutes’ bench for a rather long time. He was in superb form and his handling was simply first class.

The southern seasiders will now look forward to a more positive ending to the season. In fact, they are eying the FA Trophy to try and reach European football for the second year in succession.

In the Relegation Pool, Pieta Hotspurs made a bold step forward towards safety as they overcame a feeble Lija Athletic challenge to secure a further three points which have put them firmly on top.

They now enjoy a two-point lead over Msida, six over St Patrick and seven over the same Lija, though Msida and St Patrick have a game in hand.

Player of the week

Reuben Debono (Marsaxlokk)

The Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Reuben Debono is my pick this week after his very impressive performance in the match against Floriana on Sunday.

It was a performance which must rank as one of the most positive in the goalie’s history, especially since the days when he was with Naxxar and later with Birkirkara.

His saves not only denied Floriana the chance to earn something from the match, but they also helped his side gain their first Championship Pool victory, lifting Marsaxlokk to the 17-point mark, four above the bottom placed Greens.

Coach of the week

Atanas Marinov (Marsaxlokk)

The southern seasiders coach guided his team to a good win over Floriana.

Though not important as the club has no chance, not even for a runner-up place, the victory has given a big boost to the boys as they now prepare for a better second round performance.

If Marsaxlokk can improve and give the other teams, especially those just above them, a good run for their money, they can still have a great say and perhaps reach fourth place.

Also, Marinov is certainly expected to use the forthcoming five league matches as a stepping stone to a good run in the FA Trophy, the final major competition of the season.