Sliema coach Edward Aquilina was in a better mood at the weekend as the Blues managed to retain their slight chance of winning their fourth consecutive title.

In fact, after they beat Valletta 2-1 on Saturday and Birkirkara lost two points in a 1-1 draw against Marsaxlokk, the gap at the top has now been reduced to six points with two matches to go.

This means that if Birkirkara lose their match against Hibernians on Sunday and Sliema win against Msida on Saturday, everything will be left for the final day where Birkirkara and Sliema meet in their final league commitment with the Wanderers then needing to win to force a decider against the Stripes.

Aquilina remarked: “If we come to the decider then anything might happen. Apart from the title which will be at stake, there is also the financial windfall which the clubs will expect from the two matches (league and decider) as well as the prize of the Champions League participation (around Lm108,000).”

It is a somewhat interesting situation, but Aquilina was realistic yesterday morning when speaking to The Malta Independent. He said: “We are well aware that we are still in with a slight chance. Therefore it is right that we keep hoping. But I have to be realistic. It will not be easy. Birkirkara need only one point. They have a six-point lead and I cannot see them losing the title at this stage. They have been a very consistent side throughout the whole season.

“All I can say is that I feel we lost the championship through our own fault. The injuries to several key players during the crucial moments of the competition as well some pathetic performances, especially the matches against Marsaxlokk, contributed towards our downfall,” he said.

Aquilina said he was very disappointed with the attitude of striker Daniel Bogdanovic, especially on Saturday after being substituted during the match against Valletta. “So long as I am coach of Sliema, he will not play again in any of my teams. I do not want him and I am speaking on behalf of the players as well. It is a real pity because he is a talented boy from several aspects,” he said.

Bogdanovic applauded the Valletta supporters on his way into the dressing room, and ignoring the Sliema side from where he should have left the field.

He is now expected to return to Marsaxlokk next season.

Asked whether he intended staying on as Sliema coach next season, Aquilina was prompt to reply that he will be there. “Why not. I am sure I will start again next season though I think we will be a somewhat different team. We are already looking ahead at strengthening every department. Our main targets, as is already well known, are Andrew Cohen of Hibernians and Martin Deanov of Pieta. But there will also be others, if they become available on the transfer market,” he said.

Of course, Aquilina is also aware that these players are also the target of other clubs, especially Marsaxlokk, but Aquilina believes that Sliema are favourites to land their signature.