Floriana and Birkirkara suffer unexpected defeats as Valletta, Sliema W. and Hamrun Spartans regain their winning touch

The midweek programme brought about a complete reversal of fortunes for most of the clubs in the Premier League.

At the top we now have five clubs which are separated by just one point, while another club is on the eight-point mark.

Former joint leaders Floriana and Birkirkara were brought down to earth as they lost their unbeaten record in this fifth round, going down to Marsaxlokk and Pieta Hotspurs on Thursday evening. Sliema Wanderers, Valletta and Hamrun Spartans all returned to winning form as Hibernians and Msida suffered defeat, as did Mqabba, who lost their fifth match in succession.

Birkirkara were unceremoniously defeated by a stubborn Pieta side which now must be considered as an improving selection.

Let us not forget that their feat was not only that of having beaten one of the strongest sides in the competition: they did it without two of their best players – Martin Deanov and Rumen Galabov.

Carmel Busuttil’s side is certainly showing great improvement and has now registered their second consecutive defeat. After a shaky start to the season, the club’s policy of introducing more youngsters is bearing the desired fruit.

On their part, the Stripes disappointed their numerous followers. It was obviously their worst performance this season, even if they had taken a late first half lead. This time, it was their defence which let them down.

Floriana also lost their unbeaten record on Thursday, going down to an improved Marsaxlokk side.

The champions produced their best performance so far this season as they halted the Greens’ positive run at the top of the standings.

After dropping their first points of the season the previous weekend in a match against Sliema, the Greens have now suffered their first defeat.

Floriana were found wanting when facing a Marsaxlokk side determined to bounce back after some disappointing performances in their previous matches.

The former leading duo were joined by Sliema Wanderers on 10 points after five matches. The Blues beat Hibernians 2-1 in the first match on Tuesday evening.

It was a deserved victory for the Wanderers who turned defeat into a win, coming back from behind to beat the Paolites by the odd goal in three.

The Blues showed a lot of improvement with Roderick Bajada and Etienne Barbara playing well, the former scoring a gem of a goal and Barbara providing the pass to Ivan Woods for the latter to score the winner.

The Paolites remain on just five points from five matches after this second defeat of the season. One, however, cannot say this is a crisis for the club, but it is imperative for the side to start claiming more points if they are to avoid trouble in the near future.

If the team loses its confidence, it might find itself embroiled in the cauldron at the bottom end of the standings.

The citizens returned to winning form against bottom placed Mqabba even if they had to overcome an early shock as the Premier newcomers took an unexpected lead.

What was comforting for the citizens, perhaps more than the victory itself, was the fact that Sebastian Monesterolo’s name was again on the scoresheet. Slowly but surely, the Argentine striker is returning to his best form.

For Mqabba, as has already been said, it will certainly be a difficult season. But there is still some hope left, especially because of the fact that they still have to play some direct matches.

Hamrun Spartans also registered a victory against Msida St Joseph. This third win puts the Spartans within one point of the leadership.

Although they are not harbouring hopes of winning the title, however, the three points will go a long way towards their aim – that of finishing among the Top Six.

As for Msida, it is a difficult moment. After their 1-1 draw against Valletta they have again suffered defeat and this means that the team lacks the required consistency and that will make their target – a Top Six place – more difficult to be reached.

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Player of the week

Malcolm Licari (Marsaxlokk)

The champions returned to winning form after two disappointing performances and they certainly owed a good part of their win to Malcolm Licari.

Formerly employed at the back, Licari scored the champions’ opening goal in their 3-2 win over Floriana on Thursday evening. Also, his runs had the Greens defence in disarray on many an occasion.

It is clear that Licari is set to remain in attack as English coach Brian Talbot, finally, seems to have solved his attacking problem.

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The top scorers

4 goals – Etienne Barbara (Sliema W.)

3 goals – Christian Caruana (Floriana), Ian Zammit (Valletta), Edward Herrera (Pieta H.), Ron Hartvig (Birkirkara)

2 goals – Michael Galea (Birkirkara), Adrian Mifsud (Floriana), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Gaetan Spiteri (Hamrun S.), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Ryan Darmanin (Floriana), Alexsander Mazdar (Sliema W.),

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Next programme

(all matches at Ta’ Qali)

Sunday 30 September

4pm Mqabba-Sliema

6pm Hibernians-Marsaxlokk

Monday 1 October

6pm Floriana-Pietà

8pm Birkirkara-Msida SJ