Sliema and Marsaxlokk take the plaudits this week as they both won their difficult clashes against Hibernians and Msida respectively to put more pressure on leaders Birkirkara, who dropped two precious points in a goalless draw with Valletta.

The Wanderers beat Hibernians by three clear goals on Saturday while Marsaxlokk had to suffer a lot before they finally emerged on top against a resilient Msida side thanks to that Andre Schembri strike.

The results mean that the Stripes’ lead at the top has now been reduced to a mere two points and it is interesting to note Marsaxlokk’s uphill run which seems to have no end.

The southern seasiders have made substantial progress since the arrival of Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia and it is evident that since their promotion to the Premier League, this seems to be their best chance to challenge for the title.

Two points behind the leaders and next Saturday, they will be facing none other than Birkirkara with results of past matches in the Premier League showing that they are the Stripes’ bogey team.

If Marsaxlokk can, at least, avoid defeat next Saturday, then I think everything can happen as the side will probably gain momentum in the second round of the Championship Pool.

On Sunday they found it difficult to penetrate Msida’s strong rearguard, although shorn of the absence of experienced defender Daniel Theuma who was suspended.

Yet Andre Schembri’s strike meant three precious points for Marsaxlokk and that’s what counted at the end of those gruelling 90 minutes.

Now Marsaxlokk are in a much stronger position to face the Stripes on Saturday.

Stephen Azzopardi’s boys could not penetrate City’s defence on Saturday even if the latter had Massimo Grima missing, not to mention Gilbert Agius and Keith Fenech. Moreover, they risked a lot near the end as it was only goalkeeper Simon and the upright which deprived Valletta of the three points.

It would have been an injustice, perhaps, as Birkirkara attacked for 70 minutes. Yet, they left no impact on the inexperienced Valletta side in which all the players gave their hearts out.

Special mention must be made of Sharlon Pace and Steven Bezzina. They showed they will fit in perfectly in City’s future plans.

On their part, Birkirkara were well below par and their front line rarely troubled goalkeeper Sullivan. Their only real chances arrived in the first half through Roderick Briffa and Michael Galea, but both missed the bus.

For the Stripes it was a good chance to maintain their four-point lead at the top, but they have now dropped two points which could be fatal at the end of the competition.

In fact, on Saturday, in the first match, I noticed that Sliema are slowly but surely coming back to their best, at the right moment.

Against Hibernians, the Blues played a splendid first half where Stefan Giglio not only scored the opener which paved the way for their excellent win, but also managed their midfield sector together with the non-stop Joe Brincat. These two players’ experience was too much for the Hibs midfield in which Pullicino and Mbong were a shadow of their usual selves.

Giglio went on to score a second goal before Bajada added a third which sent the Paolites reeling. Edward Aquilina and Hugh Caruana must feel pretty confident that their side will fight back to the top place as it is showing improvement at the most crucial moment of the competition.

Robert Gatt’s boys have now suffered their third consecutive defeat and are now almost certain to remain out of the running for the title, barring any surprises at the top.

A six-point gap at this juncture is almost insurmountable, but so long as there is hope, I think the Paolites will continue challenging.

But it is a fact that the team is no longer that combination which we used to admire in the first phase of the competition. Then, they played the best football and were considered as very strong title challengers.

Unless the team shows better form, they are now even risking that Valletta will overtake them in fourth place with just three points separating the two clubs.

Msida have no further interest in the competition and are taking these matches as preparation for their Trophy commitment. Against Marsaxlokk, they even threatened to score before the southern seasiders finally clinched the three points.

The Saints performance was, by far, a vast improvement over that against Birkirkara the previous week, where they were crushed under a five-goal avalanche.

On Sunday, Floriana made an important step towards ensuring their survival in the Premier League when they beat Hamrun Spartans by three clear goals.

The Greens simply deserved their win as the Spartans did not live in the same street as their opponents.

Now the Reds and Blacks will have to fight it out with Mosta and Pieta to see who will be demoted to next year’s first division.

Best player

Stefan Giglio (Sliema W.)

My pick this week falls on Sliema midfielder Stefan Giglio who produced a five-star performance on Saturday as Sliema crushed Hibernians 3-0.

Giglio showed all his technical, fighting and scoring skills in a match he will certainly remember. He also showed that he can score with his feet and with his head as well!

Such a performance must have been noted by our national coach Dusan Fitzel. I do not think that we can afford to leave out such players from our top squad for something which happened two years ago.

As I have said on previous occasions, I must repeat that discipline is important from wherever it comes and on whoever makes an offence, but it cannot last for ever.

Leading scorers

17 – Michael Galea

11 – Cleaven Frendo, Etienne Barbara

10 – Daniel Bogdanovic, Andrew Cohen, Danilo Doncic, Daniel Nwoke,

9 – Gaetan Spiteri, Adrian Mifsud, Ivan Woods

8 – Martin Deanov, Andre Schembri

7 – Wendell Gomes

6 – Terence Scerri, Maczerob Okoro, Haruna Doda, S. Giglio

5 – David Camilleri, Udo Nwoko, Ikechuckwu Chibueze, Sebastian Monesterolo, J. Brincat, Roderick Bajada

4 – A. Zahra, D. Theuma, W. Camenzuli, I. Zammit, M. Calascione, M. Licari, E. Mbong, P. Scriha, I. Babatunde, R. Bajada, D. Falzon, A. Ciantar

Next matches

Saturday 18 March

At Ta’ Qali Stadium

2pm Valletta-Sliema W.

4pm Birkirkara-Marsaxlokk

Sunday 19 March

At Hibernians Ground

2pm Hamrun S.-Mosta

4pm Msida SJ-Hibernians