Floriana are once again the sole leaders of the Bank of Valletta Premier League after saving a point from their match against Hamrun Spartans on Saturday.

The Greens scored a late equaliser to obtain their point while Sliema Wanderers, who were joint leaders before the weekend, succumbed to an unexpected defeat at the hands of the rejuvenated Pieta side.

Also, Valletta gave a big boost to themselves and their numerous fans as they scored an important 1-0 win over rivals Birkirkara in the top match of the week, while Msida St Joseph also registered an important win – a 4-3 success over bottom of the table Mqabba.

These results showed that with almost one half of the first stage completed, only five points are separating the top club, Floriana, from eighth placed Pieta Hotspurs.

And a big battle is looming between at least six clubs to see who of them will be playing in the Top Six and who will have to play in the Relegation Pool come the second phase. In fact, third placed Marsaxlokk have 13 points, while Hibernians, Birkirkara, Valletta, Hamrun S. and Pieta follow on 12 points each.

Only four teams, Sliema, Pieta, Msida and Mqabba have played nine matches. The other six have a game in hand.

It is certainly going to be tight and I would be the first to say that this year’s championship will probably be determined near the end of the competition. It seems as if there is quite some balance among the teams and I do not consider results as the win by Pieta over Sliema as a surprise any more.

The Hotspurs fought hard for it and even if Sliema possess much better elements in their squad, it was obvious that Carmel Busuttil’s boys came out of the ordeal with not just their heads held high, but also with a merited three points.

For the Wanderers, it was a big setback and a second defeat this season, after their earlier collapse against bottom placed Mqabba. Unless Sliema start banging in the goals and obtain the points against the so-called small clubs, then they should shelve their plans about winning the title this season.

The same can be said about Birkirkara who, after a good start to the season, are fading away and seem to have forgotten about scoring goals and winning matches.

The Stripes are a struggling side – a huge disappointment for their loyal and numerous fans. On Saturday against Valletta, they dictated play for most of the time, especially in the second half. But still, Buttigieg’s boys failed to find the answer to reply to Josef Mifsud’s first half goal which gave the citizens a hard-won three points.

The Stripes appear to be goal shy at present. They create a lot but all in vain. They will have to work harder to find the right formula on how to conclude their actions if they are to finish among the top six.

Valletta gave a big boost to themselves thanks to this win. Not that they amused anyone with their performance but these three points came at a time when the side needed them most. And winning against Birkirkara is always something which goes down pretty well with their supporters.

Paul Zammit’s side finally managed to overcome a ‘strong’ side but are still a long way from being considered as potential title challengers. They will certainly have to show much more improvement and that is why they are looking ahead to the time when Gilbert Agius will be back in the side following his injury. The sooner he returns, the better. I only expect them to improve with Agius back to full fitness.

Floriana did well to rally in the second half and obtain a point from their match against the surprising Spartans. The Greens appeared to be heading towards a second defeat until Ryan Darmanin scored the equaliser with just eight minutes to go.

The point, and with Sliema missing the bus completely on the following day against Pieta, meant that the Greens were again sole leaders – and with a game in hand over their rivals.

The Spartans – as well as Pieta H. – must now be considered as a surprise team this season. The Premier newcomers, celebrating their 100th anniversary this season, have shown one and all that they are no pushovers.

Marco Gerada’s boys fully merited their 1-0 lead against the Greens and they could have also wrapped up the three points had they taken the chances which came their way.

Still, they must be more than satisfied with their performances and the fact that they are battling seriously for a top six place only confirms their potential.

Msida St Joseph produced two new foreigners – Brazilians Gilberto dos Santos and Pedro dos Santos Calcado – as they overcame a sturdy Mqabba side by four goals to three in one of the most dramatic matches this season.

The three points have lifted Msida to the eight-point mark while leaving Mqabba at the bottom with just three points.

Pedro dos Santos was the protagonist in this clash. After some classy touches he scored two of his side’s goals but then marred his Maltese Premier League debut with a red card following a second bookable offence.

Mqabba might not have deserved defeat in this match as they gave as much as they received, but it is now more than evident that they are already fighting an uphill battle.

Both Msida and Mqabba will have to win more points in the second round of the first phase if they are to entertain hopes of staving off relegation.