Marsaxlokk made up for their elimination from the FA Trophy last week by Sliema Wanderers, inflicting a league defeat yesterday, which may have some serious repercussions on the Wanderers’ title aspirations.

This sursprising defeat leaves Sliema five points adrift of leaders Birkirkara and although this is not unassailable, it is surely a great setback for the champions with just four matches to go.

Yesterday Marsaxlokk deserved their win, which takes them closer to a Euro berth next season, as they were always slick in their attacks, striding forward with menace from midfield, looking the more dangerous throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Meanwhile Sliema were unrecognisable from the side which beat Marsaxlokk in the Trophy quarter final. Lethargic and lacking in width, they missed any penetration despite giving Doncic a start in their forward line. And their already struggling midfield, bereft of the injured Giglio and Brincat, suffered a further setback after a quarter hour when the injured Chetcuti was forced to be substituted.

Sliema lacked any hint of creativity and it was again up to their keeper Akanji that they avoided a bigger defeat.

Marsaxlokk created the better chances in an eventful first 45 minutes. Soares Gomes’ early shot was blocked by keeper Akanji, whose lunging tackle on Soares Gomes outside the area, halting the striker’s progress, earned him a booking midway through the half.

On the half hour, Akanji did well to dive at Schembri’s feet, robbing him of the ball on Frendo’s raking cross.

On 37 minutes, on Frendo’s cross, the ball bounced dangerously inside the Sliema area until Schembri’s overhead kick went wide.

Marsaxlokk threatened again two minutes later as Soares Gomes’ headed effort was blocked by Turner on the goal line.

Sliema, who had rarely ventured inside enemy territory, showed up five minutes before the break with a Bogdanovic header off target on Woods’ cross.

The pattern of the match did not change much after the interval as Marsaxlokk remained the more offensive team although they took an hour to break the deadlock. Bajada served Cleaven Frendo from the byeline on the left and the Marsaxlokk striker beat Akanji with a rising shot at the top corner.

Marsaxlokk kept up the pressure aware that Sliema were on the point of wilting. Shaun Bajada shot a direct free-kick narrowly over and on 72 minutes, Akanji stretched himself to repel Bajada’s goal bound effort on Schembri’s square pass.

Sliema’s only shot on target came on 76 minutes, a clear cut opportunity which Doncic fluffed, shooting straight on keeper Debono, after Said had headed the ball clear in his path.

That confirmed Sliema’s off day and some profligacy by Marsaxlokk’s strikers as well as other saves by Akanji saved them from further derision.

To add to their misery, defender Dilello was also sent off in the dying minutes for a retaliation on Sammut as the Wanderers were booed off the field for one of their most inept performances this season.

Sliema W: M. Akanji, A. Muscat, M. Dilello, B. Said, D. Debono, N. Turner, D. Doncic, R. Bajada, J. Chetcuti (D. Carabott, L. Lombardi), I. Woods, D. Bogdanovic

Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, C. Mamo (K. Mamo), M. Licari, N. Gomes Dos Santos, S. Wellman, S. Bajada, J. Pace, K. Sammut, C. Frendo, A. Schembri, W. Soares Gomes (C. Nwoko)

Referee: A. Azzopardi Asst. refs: I. Spiteri, S. Tanti 4th official: L. Sammut

Scorer: C. Frendo

Yellow cards: M. Akanji, D. Bogdanovic, A. Schembri, R. Bajada, N. Gomes Dos Santos, D. Doncic, J. Pace, S. Wellman

Red card: M. Dilello

Player of the match: Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top three: 1. S. Bajada 2. M. Akanji 3. A. Schembri