Marsaxlokk’s demolition of Birkirkara last Saturday provided the evidence – if needed – that Brian Talbot’s side is well on course for their first League title in their history.
Following this big win, there seems to be no real challenger for the southern seasiders, unless Sliema manage to halt their triumphant run in two weeks’ time.
After the second match in the second phase, Birkirkara, and to some extent, Valletta, have been brushed aside, as the two sides are now out of the title race.
This seems to have become restricted to a battle between Marsaxlokk and Sliema, and even here, one cannot fail to mention that the southern seasiders are enjoying a six-point lead at the top.
Although there are still eight matches to go, it is more than evident that it will have to be a miracle for local football enthusiasts to see a complete overhaul in the standings, come the second round of the second phase.
Sliema, after their 2-0 win over Valletta, seem to be the better equipped side to take on Marsaxlokk and hope for the best. But unless they can beat Talbot’s men in a few days’ time, then all talk of a title win for Zazu and CO will have to be postponed to next season.
On Saturday, Marsaxlokk simply toyed around with their opponents. But were they really playing against the outgoing champions?
What champions, may I ask? Not even an Under 21 side would have fared so badly as Birkirkara did on that day.
There was devastation all around as the side maintained its crisis which was compounded on the eve of the match by the resignation of Stephen Azzopardi.
It is certainly not the case of what a mess he has left behind. I am sure that Birkirkara are much and much stronger than they appeared to be on Saturday. If we all had not seen Birkirkara (with the same players) in action before, then one would not be able to say anything.
But after that inept performance on Saturday, it is no wonder that their die-hard supporters are also boycotting the team.
It is a major crisis which has to be taken seriously, albeit patiently, by the administration of the club. Some fans had already been mentioning the word ‘clear-out’ after the 3-0 defeat at the hands of Valletta the previous week.
The club’s international secretary, John Borg, also wrote last week on the club’s official website, that unless things change, some of the players were ought to be shown the door.
On Sunday some names of some players who might be shown the door were also mentioned by some sources normally very close to the club.
It is a fact that last year’s champions are not delivering this term and this is very frustrating for the very demanding administrators of this club and their supporters.
But after the Marsaxlokk humiliation, the club is now in the embarrassing position of being the laughing stock of the Maltese Premier League.
And this may lead to a complete disaster if the team also fails in the FA Trophy, thus missing their now customary place in European football next season.
I have concentrated my analysis this week on crisis-hit Birkirkara, but I cannot also fail to mention Floriana who made a firm step towards safety after beating St George’s in the Relegation Pool match on Sunday.
It is also evident in that part of the standings, that it will be Pieta or St George’s who will be joining likely candidates Marsa in next year’s first division.
Best player
Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk FC)
Marsaxlokk striker Daniel Bogdanovic is my pick this week after scoring four goals in the match against Birkirkara.
It is an undeniable fact that this striker is able to annihilate any kind of defence with his strong running, dribbling, shooting and heading skills.
He is definitely a complete striker and it would be no surprise were he to move abroad next season.
Bogdanovic has also extended his goal tally to 22 at the top of the Premier League goal-scorers list and it will be very difficult to replace him.
Next matches
Saturday 10 March
(at Ta’ Qali)
2pm Birkirkara-Sliema W.
4pm Hibernians-Valletta
Sunday 11 March
(at Hibs Ground)
1.30pm St George’s-Marsa
3.30pm Marsaxlokk-Msida SJ