The Bank of Valletta Premier League did not register much changes at the weekend. At the top of the Championship Pool standings, we had a ‘status quo’

As both Marsaxlokk and Sliema won their clashes against Hibernians and Msida by the same 3-2 scoreline.

But Birkirkara scored an important 1-0 win over rivals Valletta to distance themselves from the citizens by five points in the battle for the third place, even if the Stripes can still challenge Sliema for the runner-up place.

At the other end, in the Relegation Pool, Marsa were relegated to next year’s first division after Pieta Hotspurs beat St George’s by the odd goal in three to open a 10-point lead over the bottom placed club with just three matches remaining. The Cospicua club has now become firm favourite to join Marsa in next year’s first division.

Both Marsaxlokk and Sliema ought to have won their matches much more easily but, at the end, they faced some anxious moments to squeeze through against Hibernians and Msida St Joseph respectively.

Marsaxlokk had seen Hibernians fighting back to 3-2 and then survived a final scare as it was goalkeeper Gauci who saved the day for them with a splendid save off a Chukunyere header.

Sliema Wanderers were also made to fight hard to get away with the three points against Msida after squandering a 3-0 first half lead.

Striker Ivan Woods would have been very angry with his team-mates had Sliema surrendered to an Msida equaliser near the end. He had scored a hat-trick to give his side a very comfortable cushion which, at the end, proved to be very slim indeed.

Both Hibernians and Msida had no real interest in the proceedings but should be commended for their effort.

The Paolites must have been more than satisfied with the side’s performance, while for Msida, although failing to stop their Championship Pool slump, this performance was ample proof that they will also be offering another strong challenge in the forthcoming U*Bet FA Trophy competition in which they reached the final last season.

Birkirkara seem to have ascertained themselves of a European football berth next season after consolidating their third place with a 1-0 win over Valletta. Whether it will be a UEFA Cup berth or an Intertoto Cup slot, one still has to wait and see what will be happening till the end of the season.

George Mallia’s goal near the end of the first half proved to be enough for the Stripes to beat their rivals for the first time in four encounters this season.

The citizens were a far cry from their performances in the first part of the season. Indeed they just extended their run of sloppy performances which have seen them dropping points consistently in the Championship Pool. They have now failed to win a match in the last five outings.

At one point, they were also in a good challenging place for the title. At present, they are occupying fourth place, five points behind Birkirkara and with their only hope of a return to European football next season relying mainly on winning the FA Trophy, where they have reached the semi-finals.

In the Relegation Pool, Marsa officially became the first team to be relegated after St George’s failed to beat Pieta Hostpurs.

The Red Blues, with a possibility of just nine points from their remaining three matches (and they still have not yet won a match this season) cannot reach the Hotspurs who are 10 points above them in the standings.

And it is quite likely that St George’s, with an eight-point gap between them and the Hotspurs, will be the team accompanying Marsa into next year’s first division.

Best player

Ivan Woods (Sliema W.)

The Sliema Wanderers and Malta striker Ivan Woods is my pick this week after his very good performance in the 3-2 win over Msida St Joseph on Sunday.

His first half hat-trick proved vital for Sliema as Msida fought back gallantly in the second half although they failed to get a positive result.

On many an occasion this season, Woods has been the side’s saviour. He has now scored 19 goals and is second in the scorers’ list behind Daniel Bogdanovic of Marsaxlokk.

He is one of the most in form players on the island at present, not only with Sliema, but also with the national team.

Next matches

Saturday 21 April

3pm St George’s-Floriana

5pm Birkirkara-Marsaxlokk

Sunday 22 April

3pm Hibernians-Msida SJ

5pm Valletta-Sliema W.