Birkirkara are certainly feeling the pressure now that they are so close to winning their second Malta title in their relatively short history.

They could have made sure of it last Sunday with a victory against Marsaxlokk, but instead, they were made to fight very hard to get away with a point.

In the process they have eliminated Marsaxlokk definitely from the title race, but they still see Sliema Wanderers as a real threat.

And this is what makes their position at the top a little precarious. They are aware that if Sliema beat Msida on Saturday, they will be under more pressure on Sunday to at least obtain the point they need from their match against Hibernians.

Unless they do that, that is, if they lose the three points, then Sliema will be just three points adrift with the match between the two teams remaining. If the scenario includes a Sliema win on that final match, then a decider will become necessary to determine the championship.

What a scenario! It is difficult to see such a strong side as Birkirkara losing the title at this stage when, with just two matches to go, they are enjoying a six-point lead. But in football, anything can happen, and this is where the Stripes have to remain on alert, until they make sure of winning their second title.

Last Sunday the Stripes were struggling in the early stages, especially after Marsaxlokk took an early lead. But they came back strongly and certainly deserved to share the spoils, although they could also have won the three points.

What is somewhat worrying for Stephen Azzopardi’s side is the injury to Precious Monye. He limped off the field and the Stripes clan is keeping its fingers crossed that this is nothing serious.

Marsaxlokk must be commended for a wonderful performance which earned them a precious point that will keep them in contention for a runner-up place – a sure berth in next season’s UEFA Cup.

Of course, they will probably have to wait for Sliema’s results in the remaining matches. At present, the Blues enjoy a three-point lead over the southern seasiders while Hibernians are a further two points adrift.

The Blues also had to fight hard for the three points against Valletta. Both sides were depleted through the absence of some regular players.

But Valletta’s resistance finally gave way as they succumbed to an 80th minute winner by Ivan Woods from the penalty spot.

The Blues are now expected to beat bottom-placed Msida on Saturday in the hope that Birkirkara lose all the three points against Hibernians the following day.

The Paolites and Msida shared a point apiece in a drab goalless draw on Sunday afternoon.

This was an end of season encounter which clearly showed the apathy of certain players at such a stage when their teams are out of contention.

In the Relegation Pool, Pieta and Mosta also shared a point apiece as they drew 2-2, thus both retaining their chance to fight till the very end.

The Greens remained on top with 16 points. They are followed by Pieta on 15 and Mosta on 14, while Hamrun prop up the standings with 10 points.

We will probably have a clearer picture at both ends of the Championship the coming weekend.

Best player

Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)

The Marsaxlokk and Malta midfielder Kevin Sammut is my pick this weekend after his five-star performance against leaders and title favourites Birkirkara.

It was a splendid performance from this youngster who is growing in stature with every match he plays.

He was seen working hard in midfield where he was in command, but he also found time to move upfield as Marsaxlokk stretched the Stripes to the limit in certain moments of the game.

Next season, if he maintains such form, he could become an automatic choice for the national team as well.

Leading scorers

19 – Michael Galea

14 – Andrew Cohen, Daniel Nwoke, Ivan Woods

13 – Etienne Barbara, Adrian Mifsud, Wendell Gomes

12 – Cleaven Frendo, Danilo Doncic,

11 – Sebastian Monesterolo,

10 – Daniel Bogdanovic, Haruna Doda, Ikechuckwu Chibueze,

9 – Gaetan Spiteri, Andre Schembri, Martin Deanov

7 – Terence Scerri, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza

6 – Maczerob Okoro, S. Giglio, Udo Nwoko, E. Nwankwo,

Next matches

Friday 5 May

6pm Mosta-Hamrun S.

8pm Valletta-Marsaxlokk

Saturday 6 May

3pm Floriana-Pieta H.

5pm Msida SJ-Sliema W.

Sunday

4pm Birkirkara-Hibernians