Sliema Wanderers have just wrapped up their third consecutive title after taking the point they needed from the match against Valletta following a goalless draw on Monday night.

The way they have done it has been exasperating to say the least. In fact, after the defeat against Birkirkara they saw their lead whittled down to five points and their title might have also been in jeopardy had they lost Monday’s match against Valletta, though they still had a match against Hibernians on Sunday to play.

However, even their most bitter rivals will have to concede that Sliema were deserved winners, having shown full efficiency and consistency since the start of the competition last summer.

Sometimes, the Blues faltered in some matches against the minnows and their biggest disappointment was that rare and highly unexpected defeat against Lija Athletic, who went on to be relegated.

Yet, there is no questioning Sliema’s strength in depth and this is where the Blues were superior to their rivals. I fully agree with Edward Aquilina who said that Sliema had several problems to deal with throughout the season, foremost among which were the numerous injuries to some of his key players, including Joe Brincat, Danilo Doncic, Orosco Anonam and Rupert Mangion. But their replacements proved to be successful as well, as the positive results kept coming.

Apart from the usual Akanji, Chetcuti, Debono, Said, Turner and Giglio, Sliema had three other newcomers this season who also gave a most valid contribution to the side, also becoming regulars on their own merits.

I am referring to right flank defender Alex Muscat, left flank defender/midfielder Claude Mattocks and striker Ivan Woods. They all turned out to be three of the best signings made by any club during this season.

Now that the League is over, the Blues will set their eyes on winning the remaining honour, the FA Trophy and a victory here would make their success even more astounding. For it would also be a second successive memorable double following that of last season.

If that is so, then all the Blues’ rivals will have to pull up their sleeves and work harder in an effort to stop the Wanderers from their present dominance of Maltese football. In my opinion, the Blues have enough strength in depth to maintain their supremacy in local football for quite a number of years.

But full points also to Valletta FC. Even though they were a very disappointed lot after last Monday’s outcome, one must give the team, including coach JJ Aquilina, credit for the way the team performed not just on Monday, but in most matches throughout the season. Let us not forget that most analysts, including yours truly, had said early in the season that Valletta would probably just make it to the Championship Pool, considering the disastrous previous season.

Last Monday’s performance was sheer evidence that this Valletta team could give their numerous supporters more satisfaction in the near future. It is true that at the end, their dreams were shattered, but it is certainly not the end of the road.

Although they are now anchored to fourth place, the last match against Birkirkara could still prove to be their season’s salvation. With Hibs facing Sliema in the last match on Sunday, it has become evident that only a victory over Birkirkara will enable them to keep hoping for a second placing, although for a berth in the UEFA Cup, even a third place might suffice after all, especially if Birkirkara win the FA Trophy and the Stripes also finish second in the league. In this battle for the placings, Hibernians have a slight edge as they play the day after the Valletta-Birkirkara clash and would know exactly what they would want to finish second or third.

Following the weekend matches and results, it seems as if Birkirkara could cement second place by beating Valletta on Saturday. That would definitely close all chapters with regard to second place, but if Hibs lose on Sunday, there could still be a decider between them and Valletta for third place which could eventually mean a place in Europe ... if Birkirkara go on to win the FA Trophy.