Although league leaders Marsaxlokk are still enjoying a comfortable lead at the top of the standings, they certainly must be aware of the revival of both Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara who have slowly but surely crept up the table thanks to their recent consistency.

The leaders at present are on top with 39 points, eight ahead of second placed Sliema who have 31. And Birkirkara have now moved into joint third place with Msida on 30 points, giving an indication of what could be in store in the second phase, that is, when the points are halved and the competition gets tougher.

We must not forget that before the end of the first phase, Sliema and Marsaxlokk still have to face each other, and the outcome of this match might still open the issue further, especially if Valletta win their remaining encounters.

The weekend matches showed that Hibernians have finally overcome their crisis as they registered another positive result, perhaps the best in recent months, when holding Marsaxlokk to a 2-2 draw.

The Paolites now need two points from their remaining two matches to assure themselves of a Top Six placing, thus sending Floriana to the Relegation Pool for the second consecutive season.

Marsaxlokk appeared to have the game in hand against the Paolites, but they allowed their opponents to get back on level terms twice and then could not get back on top in the second half, as the Paolites showed considerable improvement over recent matches.

Sliema also did well to maintain their impressive positive run with a slender 1-0 win over Valletta.

The Blues are now in a threatening position for Marsaxlokk and coach Ray Farrugia is well aware of the importance of their next clash against Marsaxlokk on Friday evening.

But they will certainly have to be more lethal against the league leaders who will probably be a difficult nut to crack, much more than Valletta who also had top striker Sebastian Monesterolo missing – he is now playing Kuwaiti football.

The citizens will definitely miss the Argentine striker’s excellent services – he was one of the most impressive foreign strikers to have ever played in the local Premier League. Without this free-scoring striker, Valletta will have much less punch up front and Gilbert Agius and Ian Zammit will have to work harder to keep the side in contention.

Birkirkara seem to have forgotten all about their first round problems and have found their rhythm once again as they overcame a stubborn Pieta side quite easily.

The Stripes are now well geared for a good run in the second phase, and I am sure they will pounce on any occasion which might present itself, especially from the Sliema-Marsaxlokk clash.

Floriana retained their slight hopes of remaining among the Top Six with a 3-0 win over St George’s, but they remain far away from achieving their dream, as the Paolites need just two points from their remaining two matches (one of them is against lowly St George’s).

Everything is pointing towards an interesting end to the first phase. But until all the matches are played we have to wait and watch out for new developments in the standings.

Best player: Terence Scerri (Hibernians)

The Paolites’ striker is my pick this week after his good performance against Marsaxlokk.

He played a good game and was a constant headache to the Marsaxlokk defence. In fact it was no surprise that he became his side’s protagonist by scoring his side’s two goals with which Hibernians forced a draw to take a precious point.

No doubt, Scerri is fast becoming the Hibs saviour this season. He has now scored 13 goals and can be considered as their top man, at least so far this season.

Next matches

Friday 2 February

(at Ta’ Qali)

6pm Marsaxlokk-Sliema W.

8pm Msida-Hibernians

Saturday 3 February

(at Hibs Ground)

1pm Valletta-Marsa; 3pm Pieta H.-Floriana