SILVIO VELLA

The impressive form by Marsaxlokk continued with another assured victory against struggling Sliema Wanderers. The champions showed in the process that they are full of running as they regain top spot in the standings, with the Championship race getting properly under way.

Madzar and Alcorse were the central figures in their win, scoring a brace each and eclipsing Woods and Da Silva, causing many uncomfortable moments for a vulnerable Sliema rearguard, showing signs of unease almost throughout.

Sliema needed desperately to win this match as the optimism of their early season flourish is fast evaporating and they are slipping further with every passing week.

With Marsaxlokk showing the better attacking intentions, Sliema were outfought in nearly every department and only made a temporary impact on the match when, trailing by three goals, hit two back in quick succession within six minutes, only to be denied by Marsaxlokk’s fourth goal six minutes from time.

The Wanderers, still dusting themselves from the upset by Birkirkara three days before, were yesterday faced with a sterner challenge in the shape of one of the most consistent teams in the Premier League, unbeaten in eight league matches this year. Sliema coach Azzopardi dropped four players from the starting line-up of the previous match, the most notable absentee being goalkeeper Murphy Akanji, who was not even included in the squad. Roderick Bajada only came in as a second half substitute.

Buoyed by their previous success against Floriana, Marsaxlokk were further strengthened by the return of Conceicao, Sammut and Frendo after suspension.

Sliema’s task became more laborious when they fell behind after hardly five minutes on the clock. Their defence was caught outnumbered as Alcorse advanced on the right and his low cross was shot in by Aleksandar Madzar from close range.

The goal sparked an immediate response from the still unsettled Sliema as Marsaxlokk’s keeper Debono footed out providentially Da Silva’s effort.

The tide partially abated with Marsaxlokk in full control but past the half hour, the match really came to life with chances at both ends.

On 34 minutes Scerri ran in well on Bartolo’s pass but his shot was blocked into a corner by Conceicao’s extended foot.

On the other end, Sammut played a long ball from the right which was chased by Madzar, but keeper Bonello rushed off his line to smother the danger.

On 38 minutes, the Sliema keeper footed out Alcorse’s low diagonal shot and a minute later, the young custodian was caught off balance on Frendo’s deep cross from the right. Sammut’s free header went wide.

Marsaxlokk held the initiative and with halftime looming, Alcorse found the ball in his path on a Sliema defensive rebound, but shot off target. In added time though, the champions increased their lead. Frendo’s cross from the right was missed by Madzar, Alcorse’s headed effort was palmed out by Bonello but Madzar was close to score with his outstretched foot.

Sliema put in Muscat and Bajada instead of Azzopardi and Pace for the second half as they visibly needed reinforcements in midfield but Marsaxlokk remained the more potent attacking force, with the menacing breaks of Madzar and Alcorse.

Leaving gaps at the back, Sliema were caught towards the hour when Frendo played the ball forward and as Chetcuti failed to put his head to it, Julio Alcorse was left with the simple task of flicking the ball over keeper Bonello.

The points looked virtually secured for Marsaxlokk, who also put off Madzar and opted to control the proceedings, as even Sliema looked demoralised. But when Alex Muscat pulled one back on 71 minutes, beating keeper Debono with a powerful drive on the run from the right, on a Woods pass, the Wanderers suddenly jerked into shape. They even reduced the deficit to just one goal six minutes later, courtesy of an Ivan Woods low strike to make the remaining 12 minutes the more exciting.

Sliema even put in Carlos Ventura, returning from injury, but their revival was hampered by the fact that they had to play the remaining minutes with ten men, following Scerri’s injury having effected all their three substitutions.

The thrills were far from over until Marsaxlokk scored their reassuring fourth goal six minutes from time as Julio Alcorse beat Nisevic’s challenge on the right and unleashed a diagonal drive at the top right hand corner beyond Bonello’s reach.

This defeat has severely dented Sliema’s title aspirations as they now trail main contenders Marsaxlokk and Valletta by some significant seven and five points respectively.

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Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, C. Mamo, W. Camenzuli, R. Conceicao, C. Magro, K. Sammut (P. Pullicino), C. Frendo (M. Barbara), J. Pace, J. Alcorse, T. Templeman, A. Madzar (S. Wellman)

Sliema W: H. Bonello, I. Azzopardi (A. Muscat), B. Said, B. Nisevic, M. Scerri, A. Da Silva (C. Ventura), M. Bartolo, J. Chetcuti, I. Woods, O. Anonam, S. Pace (R. Bajada)

Referee: K. Azzopardi asst.refs: P. Agius, K. Borg 4th official: P. Caruana

Scorers: A. Madzar (2), J. Alcorse (2), A. Muscat, I. Woods

Yellow cards: O. Anonam, B. Nisevic

Player of the match: Aleksandar Madzar (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top three: 1. J. Alcorse 2. A. Madzar 3. A. Muscat