Valletta showed commitment and determination on Monday evening as they brushed aside Birkirkara’s challenge to win three precious points on their way to starting the Championship Pool with a lead at the top of the standings.

Their victory over the Stripes not only gave them a three point lead over Sliema and Marsaxlokk, but it also provided the shivers for Birkirkara who failed in their attempt to assure themselves of a Top Six berth and will now have to wait at least till Friday to try and salvage their pride in their final commitment against Floriana.

After Hamrun beat Floriana in Monday night’s first match, it has become obvious that the big pressure is now on Hibernians who remain two points behind the same Spartans and Birkirkara. The Paolites now need to win all the three points against Hamrun on Monday to make sure of a Top Six berth.

On Saturday, the Paolites lost their chance to overtake the Spartans when they unexpectedly went down to Msida St Joseph.

It will be a very interesting end to the first phase of the competition, but even in the next phase, we seem to be assured of a very tight challenge, both at the top and at the bottom, where only Mqabba seem to be already assigned to their fate.

The citizens will now face Marsaxlokk in their final first phase commitment on Friday and another three points will give them a three-point cushion over Marsaxlokk and Sliema at the start of the Championship Pool.

On Monday night, a performance characterised by commitment and determination enabled them to overcome a strong challenge from Birkirkara by the odd goal in three, even if the Stripes scored their goal at a time when it was too late for them to stage a complete rally.

The Citizens’ victory grows in stature as they faced a stern test from Birkirkara who must have played one of their best matches this season. It was evident that Valletta were the better team, especially in the first half when they even had enough chances to take the lead.

Ironically it was Birkirkara who had the better chance – at the start of the second half – through Michael Galea before Valletta broke the deadlock soon afterwards.

It was one of those matches which entertained the crowd which braved the cold weather at Ta’ Qali.

The Stripes left the pitch disappointed at having to go home empty handed. And even if they are still embroiled in the battle to avoid the Relegation Pool, I feel they can achieve their aim on Friday in the match against Floriana.

The Spartans fought hard to get back from a goal behind against the Greens to win three precious points which have kept their hopes alive. Instead of a victory, they now need just a draw against Hibernians on Monday to assure themselves of a Top Six berth while condemning the Paolites to the Relegation Pool.

If Birkirkara lose against Floriana and Hibernians beat Hamrun on Monday, then a decider between Hamrun and Birkirkara will become necessary to determine the outcome.

In the meantime, Hibernians showed why they are in such a precarious position last Saturday.

At present the team lacks the necessary confidence and this was in evidence against Msida. They looked nervous as they failed to penetrate the Saints defence before Msida punished them with two late goals.

For the Saints it was one big fight for survival in which they only just failed. Yet, the points they have managed to acquire – and they can add another three in their final match against Mqabba – will definitely help them to start the Relegation Pool on a very sound footing.

Sliema did what was exactly expected of them against Pieta – get the three points. But they were again somewhat unimpressive in a 2-1 win.

It is clear more than ever before that they will have to show improvement if they are to keep challenging for the title till the very end.

The Hotspurs gave them an early shock, but were unable to maintain that lead and, at the end, had to accept defeat.

Player of the week

David Camilleri (Valletta FC)

My pick this week falls on Valletta midfielder David Camilleri who was outstanding in the match against Birkirkara.

He was seen everywhere on the pitch, in defence, in midfield and even in attack. Taking the place of the suspended Josef Mifsud in the heart of the defence, he played his new role to perfection. He also found time to feed his strikers with some intelligent passes and also was responsible for most of Valletta’s dead-ball situations, whether it was corners from the right side or freekicks. Camilleri definitely played his best match for the citizens as he seems to have regained his confidence.

The top scorers

14 goals - Sebastian Monesterolo (Valletta)

8 - Gaetan Spiteri (Hamrun), Ian Zammit (Valletta), Ryan Darmanin (Floriana), Njongo Priso (Msida SJ),

7 - Malcolm Licari (Marsaxlokk)

6 - Marcelo Periera (Mqabba), Stefan Sultana (Hamrun S.), Etienne Barbara (Sliema W.), Ivan Woods (Sliema W.), Mark Barbara (Marsaxlokk), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Julio Alcorse (Marsaxlokk), Alfred Effiong (Hamrun S.)

5 - E. Herrera (Pieta H.), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Pedro dos Santos Calcado (Msida SJ), Martin Deanov (Pieta H.)

Next programme (at Ta’ Qali Stadium)

Friday 22 February

6pm Floriana-Birkirkara

8pm Marsaxlokk-Valletta

Monday 25 February

6pm Mqabba-Msida SJ

8pm Hibernians-Hamrun S.