Just two matches were played as the Premier League resumed following the break allowed for the re-seeding of the turf pitches.

On Sunday, Sliema failed to register a victory for the third consecutive time as they figured in a draw against lowly Hamrun Spartans. In the other match, Marsaxlokk continued with their resurgence under Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia as they posted a 3-1 win which moved them into fourth place.

Although still being a very disappointing result for the Blues, the 1-1 draw against Hamrun also had a positive element. In fact, after two consecutive defeats, the Blues have managed to stop that negative trend. And they also showed character and determination to get back on level terms even though playing with a man less after the dismissal of Mauro Di Lello.

What is a major concern for the Blues camp is the level of the performance of the team – nothing comparable to the form which led them to three consecutive title victories. The Blues have become a pathetic side to watch and they cannot put the blame on the Victor Tedesco Stadium, simply because the two defeats in their previous matches were conceded at Ta’ Qali.

In my opinion, the Blues seem to be a demotivated side nowadays. They do not seem to be hungry for more success, even if they registered eight straight victories at the start of this season’s campaign.

However, if we were to go back to the first round, then there was probably only one match – the victory over Birkirkara – in which the Blues really left a very good impression.

Otherwise, on several occasions, they were lucky to get away with all points – against Valletta, Msida, Marsaxlokk and Floriana.

This decline in form will certainly force coaches Edward Aquilina and Hugh Caruana to take the steps they deem fit to get the players back in good shape. It is true that they were missing established stars as Noel Turner, Orosco Anonam and Darren Debono, but this does not really impress me. It is an open secret that the Wanderers possess the strongest squad among the Premier League clubs with the best local and foreign elements among their ranks.

After their third lapse, though partial, second placed Hibernians and third placed Birkirkara are bound to take advantage when the League resumes the weekend after this one.

The Paolites will take the sole leadership if, as expected, they beat Pieta Hotspurs ‘at home’ on 4 December, while Birkirkara could join Sliema on top (though temporarily) if they beat Msida St Joseph the day before.

As for Hamrun Spartans, it was a match from which they could have also secured the three points had they taken the chances that came their way.

Playing on their ‘home’ surface, Michael Degiorgio’s boys showed the better ideas with a splendid Rupert Mangion and Ivan Zammit dictating play in midfield.

They created a lot but missed a number of good chances and it was here that their suspended striker Gaetan Spiteri was sorely missed. Okoro and Nwankwo both missed glaring scoring chances which would have rocked Sliema, before the Spartans eventually took the lead through Nwankwo midway through the second half.

The Spartans seemed to be happy with the result, but as they elected to defend against a 10-man Sliema, they had to suffer the consequences. Not only did Sliema obtain the equaliser, but the Spartans also had their own Steve Sadowski being shown a red card.

However, this performance on Sunday showed how determined the Spartans are to avoid relegation. On such form, they are even bound to fight seriously for a place among the top six, possibly at the expense of Valletta or Pieta.

Marsaxlokk were on the victory path once again in the first match on Sunday as they brushed aside Mosta’s challenge to win 3-1 and move two points ahead of Msida in fourth place, though with a match more.

The southern seasiders were clear winners judging from the scoreline, but it must be said that Mosta deserved something better for their great-hearted effort.

The bottom-placed club gave the impression that they have not yet thrown in the towel completely and had they taken the chances which came their way, especially in the second half, they might have been able to spring a surprise.

But they missed a lot in front of the Marsaxlokk goal. Not only, they committed some banal lapses at the back in the first half and this helped the southern seasiders to secure the three points.

It must also be said that Marsaxlokk should have put the game beyond Mosta’s reach in the first half, when they also missed a number of chances which should have put their minds at rest.

It was Cleaven Frendo who confirmed his great season with a splendid hat-trick opening his account early in the match with a goal direct from a free-kick. He is now the leading scorer with 10 goals.

Best player

Rupert Mangion (Hamrun Spartans)

It is rare and perhaps somewhat strange to select a player from a team occupying a place in the bottom half of the standings.

But after last Sunday’s matches, my pick had to fall on Hamrun’s midfielder Rupert Mangion who was outstanding throughout the 90 minutes.

Playing against his former team-mates, but back to his first love, Mangion produced all his good qualities and skills as he showed Aquilina and the Sliema clan how wrong they were in discarding him for most of the time during his spell with the Wanderers.

Top scorers

10 – Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk).

8 – Michael Galea (Birkirkara), Daniel Nwoke (Msida SJ), Gaetan Spiteri (Hamrun S.).

7 – Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Danilo Doncic, Daniel Bogdanovic (both Sliema W.).

6 – Martin Deanov (Pieta H.).

5 – Wendell Gomes (Marsaxlokk), Terence Scerri and David Camilleri (both Hibernians).