The Premier League was restricted to Saturday’s two matches only the past weekend as Sunday’s matches had to be postponed to today because of the heavy rainfall which rendered the Hibernians Ground and the Victor Tedesco Stadium unfit.

As I predicted in my Saturday preview, we now have a trio at the top, all on 34 points from 15 matches after Birkirkara beat Hibernians and Sliema easily disposed of Msida St Joseph.

In the process, Birkirkara confirmed their current good moment – their eighth victory in nine matches – while Sliema showed perhaps a glimpse of their true mettle as they overcame Msida in a comfortable win.

The match of the week was the Birkirkara-Hibernians clash and before going into football territory, I would like to commend both sets of fans for producing such a colourful and noisy atmosphere at Ta’ Qali, apart also from not indulging in the usual insulting and bad behaviour. This is only part and parcel of the game and it is such tremendous support which creates a unique atmosphere that brings backs the crowds onto the terraces.

Back to the match and it was evident that Birkirkara were all out for revenge over the Paolites for the two defeats suffered earlier in the season.

Birkirkara’s win also enabled them to join the same Hibs and Sliema at the top, but, above all, it also showed that the Stripes are a very strong outfit which will certainly have its say in the chase for this year’s league title.

With the returning Yanchev, William Camenzuli and Etienne Barbara in such form and with the rest of the squad pulling the same rope together, then it will be no surprise were Stephen Azzopardi’s boys to continue extending their latest run of positive results.

On their part, the Paolites received a major setback. No doubt, they are still one member forming part of the leading trio, but the way they were defeated shows that the Paolites are not up to standard.

In their previous encounter, they also struggled to beat bottom of the table Mosta thanks to a last gasp goal. Now they have met stronger opponents and were made to look like a mediocre side by a much stronger looking Birkirkara side.

As Robert Gatt said after the match, the side will need to lift their performances if they are to remain in a challenging position.

In the other match, Sliema Wanderers played one of their best matches this season as they annihilated Msida’s challenge to the tune of 4-1.

The Blues have rarely performed so well this season, but if they manage to continue showing such form, then it is obvious that they will also be again confirmed as the great favourites for the title.

In Ivan Woods and Daniel Bogdanovic they certainly have two of the best local strikers at present, as Danilo Doncic seems to be slowing down after such a wonderful spell in local football, first at Valletta, then at Sliema.

Moreover, Sliema have added strength now that Roderick Bajada has joined them from Msida and this was one other reason why they were so superior to the Saints.

The latter missed their talented midfielder and had no alternative against the Blues. In fact, they had to play second fiddle for most of the time and Babatunde and Nwoke had no one really to serve them those long balls which usually came from the feet of Bajada.

This defeat sees Msida remaining in fifth position, three points ahead of Floriana and Valletta, but they will have to pull up their socks quickly if they wish to play in the Championship Pool in the second phase of the competition.

Best player

William Camenzuli (Birkirkara)

The strong Birkirkara defender is my pick this weeked, though it was not an easy choice as others like Mario Muscat of Hibs and Sliema’s Daniel Bogdanovic were also strong contenders.

But considering the opposition, Camenzuli deserves to be named for the honour. He really turned in one of his best performances so far this season and, in my opinion, has laid a strong claim, to return to the national team squad soon. To crown his great performance, he also scored a great goal before the interval. He also had another great shot saved by Muscat in the early stages while in the second half, he was in dominant mood at the back where he halted most of Hibs attacks.