Marsaxlokk made another stop forward towards their first title in the club’s history as they beat Hibernians by three goals to one to maintain their dominance.

And this in spite of victories for second placed Sliema and Valletta on Saturday with the Wanderers beating Msida and Valletta overcoming Birkirkara.

At the other end of the table, Marsa are almost condemned to next year’s first division, while Pieta also made a step forward thanks to their easy win over the bottom-placed club.

The Hotspurs’ victory puts some pressure on St George’s who are now three points behind but with next Sunday’s match against Floriana in hand. Remaining on just two points, Marsa are now almost certain of being relegated.

Marsaxlokk continue to march triumphantly at the top of the standings even if they are sure to be facing some tough encounters in the near future, especially those against Sliema and Valletta who will be doing their utmost to bridge the six-point gap.

Brian Talbot’s side has certainly become the team to beat, remaining unbeaten since that ‘infamous’ 1-0 defeat against Birkirkara in their opening match of the season.

The southern seasiders are not showing any polish in their play, but remain a very compact side with Daniel Bogdanovic proving to be a real match-winner.

Hibernians showed some improvement in their play over recent performances, even if they were without the services of three key players in the form of Terence Scerri, Andrew Cohen and Adrian Pulis – all suspended.

However, they lacked punch up front, and when Marsaxlokk went 2-1 ahead, it appeared unlikely that the Paolites would hit back.

On Saturday, Sliema also never set any houses on fire against Msida and it was obviously goalkeeper Murphy Akanji who kept them in front as he defied Msida time and time again, especially in the second half.

However, Sliema, still remain a strong side and their encounter against Marsaxlokk will certainly provide a clearer picture as to the outcome of this year’s title.

Msida fell to a second consecutive defeat against the Wanderers after having been beaten 3-0 in their last commitment. The Saints will now have to fight harder to get back on the winning track if they are to retain their exalted place and maintain their hopes for a European Cup berth next season.

Also on Saturday, Valletta gave a clear indication of the progress made this season as the side annihilated the outgoing champions, Birkirkara, with a second successive defeat in just a few weeks.

The citizens are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to win a European football berth next season (after several seasons) and I believe they are moving on the right track.

In fact, the way they are playing, especially last Saturday, suggests that they might also have a go at the title, especially if they manage to beat Marsaxlokk

The enthusiasm is back, the team looks strong enough and well balanced. No doubt, with some more conviction, Paul Zammit and his boys might play a dirty trick on the leaders as well.

On their part, Birkirkara can only be described as a disaster after last season’s triumph. Gone are the elements which won them the title – polish, commitment and enthusiasm. The team is not delivering and although they still have the chance to save their season, perhaps through the FA Trophy, however, their morale has now dropped to a very low ebb and only a miracle will enable them to get out of their present crisis.

Best player

Murphy Akanji (Sliema W.)

Rarely, though unfortunately, is a goalkeeper selected for such an honour, but I had no doubt this weekend about my choice.

The Sliema goalie distinguished himself during last Saturday’s match against Msida and he covered himself with glory through some good saves and excellent handling which kept his opponents at bay.

It has not been the first time that Akanji managed to save his side this season, but after his performance on Saturday, Sliema must thank him for assuring them of the three points.

The scorers

M’LOKK (48): D. Bogdanovic 18, H. Doda 8, K. Sammut 6, A. Schembri 6, C. Mamo 2, G. Sciberras 2, J. Pace 2, S. Bajada, M. Licari, I. Azzopardi (Floriana) og, R. Conceicao (St George’s) og

MSIDA SJ (32): I.Babatunde 10, D. Nwoke 11, O. Zongo 4, R. Baldacchino 3, P. Fenech, T. Farrugia, D. Cachia, P. Pullicino

VALLETTA (44): S. Monesterolo 16, G. Agius 8, R. Siberie 4, K. Magro 2, B. Nisevic 2, D. Zarb 2, D. Falzon 3, E. Uzeh 2, I. Zammit 2, M. Grima, J. Grioli, M. Barbara

FLORIANA (28): T. Cilia 6, A. Mifsud 6, W. Gomes 4, M. Micallef 3, C. Caruana 3, C. Cassar 2, R. Newell 2, I. Azzopardi, M. Gauci

HIBERNIANS (32): T. Scerri 14, A. Cohen 6, N. Chukunyere 4, P. C. Doffo 3, T. Caruana 2, U. Nwoko, A. Xuereb, M. Bartolo

BIRKIRKARA (32): J.P. Mifsud Triganza 11, E. Barbara 6, M. Galea 4, G. Mallia 2, A. Paradiso, M. Calascione, L. Galea, MA Bonnici, H. Sbai, W. Camenzuli, R. Briffa, A. Ciantar, D. Larrossa

SLIEMA (34): I. Woods 14, A. Muscat 4, R. Bajada 3, C. Nwoko 4, M. Galea 2, Z. Zvoboda 2, A. Madzar 2, O. Anonam, J. Chetcuti, M. Scerri

MARSA (12): A. Scerri 4, A. Ewurun 2, E. Yantchev 2, V. Bellia 2, B. Zammit, D. Cucciardi,

ST GEORGE’S (11): L. Mizzi 3, R. Conceicao 3,Effiong 2, S. Sciberras, E. do Nascimento, L. Pace,

PIETA H. (18): M. Deanov 5, D. Theuma 2, A. Decesare 2, S. Kondev 2, D. Kokavessis 2, A. Debono, C. Pulo, R. Galabov, S. Ciscaldi, D. Camenzuli

Next matches

Saturday 3 March

(at Ta’ Qali)

4pm Birkirkara-Marsaxlokk

6pm Sliema W.-Valletta

Sunday 4 March

(at Hibs Ground)

1.30pm Floriana-St George’s

3.30pm Msida SJ-Hibernians