The top of the table remained pretty tight after the weekend matches, especially after the drab 0-0 draw between Marsaxlokk and Sliema W.
In mid-table, Floriana suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Msida while Birkirkara crushed Hamrun Spartans under a five-goal avalanche.
Msida’s win has put more pressure on Hibernians and Hamrun Spartans. Three clubs still have two more matches to play and it seems as if the decision as to who will play in the Relegation Pool will go to the wire.
Hibernians still have to play two decisive matches – against Msida and Hamrun Spartans. The Spartans, apart from Hibernians, also have to play against Floriana, while Msida face bottom placed Mqabba in their last first phase commitment.
It is a situation which puts both Hibernians and Hamrun Spartans under intense pressure.
For example, starting with Hibernians, Robert Gatt’s boys are well aware that they have to beat Msida next Saturday as they then face what could be a potential deciding clash in the last match against Hamrun.
The same might be said of the Spartans who have to beat Floriana to stand a chance of earning a Top Six berth.
For the Saints, next Saturday’s clash is a do or die affair. In fact their hopes are still slim, but their chances of avoiding the Relegation Pool have now dramatically improved, although the most they can expect is a decider, either against Hibernians or Hamrun Spartans. However, they still have to win both their remaining clashes while hoping that Hibernians and Hamrun drop points, perhaps in their remaining matches. So their chances remain very slim indeed.
That leaves another slot open for the dreaded Relegation Pool. What can happen?
If the Paolites beat Msida next Saturday or the match ends in a draw, then Msida will definitely be in the Relegation Pool in the second phase. If Msida win, they will move to three points behind Hibernians who, in turn, will need a point from their last clash against Hamrun to remain among the Top Six.
On their part, Hamrun have a slight advantage for their match against Floriana is being played a day after the Hibs-Msida SJ clash. Whatever that result, they are aware that a victory will improve their chances of remaining among the top six as well as dragging Birkirkara into the fray once again (the latter have a difficult clash against Valletta immediately after the Hamrun-Floriana encounter).
And not even Floriana are yet assured of a Top Six place. In fact, everything hinges on Sunday’s clash against Hamrun.
This is how it will look like on Sunday evening if Hamrun had to beat Floriana, Hibernians were to beat Msida and Birkirkara go down to Valletta next weekend with just one final match to go for the end of the first phase:
Floriana and Hibernians 27 points, Birkirkara and Hamrun 26.
Even at the top of the table, it is still pretty tight. The goalless draw between Marsaxlokk and Sliema prevented the champions from taking sole leadership as they could only join the citizens on 32 points, with the latter having the weekend clash against Birkirkara in hand.
Sliema remained firmly in contention, though still lagging three points behind. With the points being divided by half at the end of the first phase we are practically assured of a very close chase for the title come the second phase.
The top match of the weekend was a boring affair as neither Marsaxlokk nor Sliema managed to raise their levels.
The tactical approach of both sides was appreciable, but this did not help much to enthuse the crowd present at Ta’ Qali.
Neither side created any open scoring chances and both must have been content with a point apiece at the end of the day.
Birkirkara returned to scoring form as they crushed Hamrun Spartans 5-0 in a crucial match which lifted their spirits considerably after their recent mishaps.
The Stripes played their best match this season with three players – newcomer Davy Sylla, midfielder/striker Alan Tabone and youngster Thomas Paris – leading their colleagues to success.
Although their chances of a Top Six place have now improved considerably, uncertainty still surrounds their position in the standings and only another similar performance against the league leaders next Sunday will possibly assure them they will not be playing in the Relegation Pool in the second phase.
For the Spartans, it was a disastrous performance, especially in the second half, when they suffered four goals after having ended the first half 1-0 in arrears with an own goal just before the end of the half.
It was a morale-shattering performance and for Marco Gerada’s boys, it will certainly be a great uphill battle in the final two matches, although not everything is yet lost.
Floriana missed the chance to ascertain themselves of a Top Six place after their defeat at the hands of the surprising Msida side.
The Greens could have made sure in the first half when they carved enough chances to take a handsome lead, but it was not to be as Msida punished them with a late goal from Priso Doding which has kept the Saints’ hopes somewhat alive.
In the other match of the weekend, Mqabba suffered yet another defeat as they lost heavily 5-0 against Pieta Hotspurs. While Mqabba will start far behind the others in the Relegation Pool, for Pieta these were three important points which will keep them close to the two teams who will possibly start above them.
Best player
Thomas Paris (Birkirkara)
When I had seen this player in action earlier this season I always had the impression that he possessed a wealth of talent.
This became more evident on Saturday when, in my opinion, he was the Stripes’ best player against Hamrun. Filling the void of Roderick Briffa is no mean feat, but the way he is doing it simply confirms my earlier thoughts about him.
Coach John Buttigieg has shown full confidence in his abilities and the youngster is now repaying the coach – and the club – with such good performances.
Next programme
Saturday 16 February
(at Hibernians Ground)
1.30pm Msida SJ-Hibernians
3.30pm Sliema W.-Pieta H.
Sunday 17 February 11, 2008
(at Ta’ Qali)
2pm Hamrun S.-Floriana
4pm Valletta-Birkirkara