Birkirkara are almost there. They need two more points from their remaining three matches to make sure of their second title in the club’s relatively short history.

But although an eight-point lead with just three matches remaining cannot certainly be ignored, they are not yet mathematically sure of the title and they have to wait patiently (and anxiously) before commencing their celebrations.

Most probably, they will know on Sunday, following their match against Marsaxlokk, whether they would have won the title. In fact, even if Sliema lose or draw against Valletta on Saturday, the Blues would have lost the title, but Marsaxlokk, mathematically, still have a chance, being nine points behind the Stripes – they can still force a decider by winning all their remaining matches and Birkirkara lose theirs.

It would be quite an achievement, but, of course, it still can happen.

Without any shadow of doubt, the Stripes deserve to be Malta champions this season. On Friday evening, against Valletta, they confirmed that because they again showed that kind of fare normally displayed by champions. And considering that they had six very young players on the bench as substitutes, then their feat grows in stature.

For most of the season, Stephen Azzopardi could not play with his regular formation due to injuries to several of his key players, including Antoine Zahra and Adrian Ciantar, as well as Emil Yanchev, George Mallia, Michael Galea, Lino Galea, Roderick Briffa, Etienne Barbara and Jonathan Holland.

Yet the coach has managed to maintain a healthy atmosphere in a squad which has certainly been inspired by the sound performances of their two foreign players – goalkeeper David Simon and centre back Precious Monye – two of the best foreigners in the Premier League this season, as well as a splendid Roderick Briffa in midfield and an impeaccble Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza in attack.

Valletta simply had no reply. Having conceded an early goal, it was always an uphill struggle. And with Gilbert Agius and Sebastian Monesterolo well under control, they could never find a way past a solid Birkirkara rearguard which always seemed to be on top.

There was absolutely no consolation for the citizens who, after seeing Marsaxlokk and Hibernians notching victories the day after, are also seeing their slight hopes of a UEFA Cup place fading completely.

Sliema slipped badly again on Saturday as they went down 4-3 against the depleted Hibernians. One might say that even Sliema were a depleted side, but this is no good excuse for another drab performance which goes on to confirm that there will be changes in the side the coming season, especially if the Wanderers also fail in the Trophy.

One expected Sliema to react after Birkirkara’s win the previous night. Instead, they seemed like a demoralised side and Hibernians did well to maintain their challenge to Marsaxlokk, at least for a third place, and to Sliema for the runner-up place.

Because, judging from current form, Sliema seem to be in danger of not just losing their title, but also the chance to finish second or perhaps, third as well. A glance at the standings show Sliema on 30 points, Marsaxlokk on 29 and Hibernians on 27.

The southern seasiders and Hibernians beat Msida and Sliema with a similar 4-3 scoreline and these results have brought them closer to a place in Europe next season, whether it is the UEFA Cup or the Intertoto Cup.

Marsaxlokk produced a confident performance in the opening 50 minutes of their match against Msida, inspired by a brilliant hat-trick from Gomes. But then they allowed their opponents back into the game as the Saints scored three times to make the result much more respectable.

On their part, the Saints are still searching for their first ever Championship Pool win, although they have no further worries.

In the Relegation Pool, Floriana produced a sensational recovery to turn a first half 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 victory against Hamrun Spartans on Friday evening.

That victory put them in a strong position to avoid the Drop, but for the Spartans, it was a big setback. It was evident near the end of the match, that their hopes of saving their status had received a big jolt. They were all a demoralised lot on the field of play.

Best player

JP Mifsud Triganza (Birkirkara)

The Stripes’ supersub earns the honour this week after his impressive performance in the match against Valletta on Friday night.

With Barbara taking the role of the injured Mallia in the midfield sector, Mifsud Triganza has again come up trumps, scoring two first half goals to pave the way for an important win which has sent the Stripes into the seventh heaven.

But it was not only his goals which lifted his side on Friday. He also roamed around with intelligence, combining well with Michael Galea up front to provide the Valletta defence with several anxious moments.He also produced the assist for Roderick Briffa to make it 3-0 in the second half.

Leading scorers

19 – Michael Galea

14 – Andrew Cohen, Daniel Nwoke,

13 – Ivan Woods, Etienne Barbara, Adrian Mifsud

12 – Cleaven Frendo, Danilo Doncic, Wendell Gomes,

11 – Sebastian Monesterolo,

10 – Daniel Bogdanovic, Haruna Doda

9 – Gaetan Spiteri, Andre Schembri, Martin Deanov

8 – Ikechuckwu Chibueze,

7 – Terence Scerri

6 – Maczerob Okoro, S. Giglio, Udo Nwoko, E. Nwankwo, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza

Next matches

Saturday 29 April

3pm Pieta H.-Mosta

5pm Sliema W.-Valletta

Sunday 30 April

3pm Hibernians-Msida SJ

5pm Marsaxlokk-Birkirkara