Valletta are back on top of the Bank of Valletta Premier League standings after their narrow 1-0 win over eternal rivals Floriana on Sunday. But they have other ‘modern’ rivals Birkirkara to thank after the Stripes stunned champions Marsaxlokk in the previous match with a late winner.

In the meantime, Sliema Wanderers returned to winning form on Saturday as they beat Hamrun Spartans 2-0 despite playing with 10 men in the last 20 minutes, following the dismissal of Ivan Woods.

These results put Valletta on 25 points. They are followed by Marsaxlokk on 23 and Birkirkara on 21. Sliema are next on 19.

While Floriana and Hamrun are now definitely out of the title race (10 points away from the leaders with just seven matches to go), Msida St Joseph obtained three precious points against Mqabba to distance themselves from third placed Pieta Hotspurs in the Relegation Pool.

The Valletta-Floriana city and suburban derby had all the ingredients of the match it usually turns out to be. However, it fell far from expectations as it resulted in a low key encounter with neither side turning on the heat in the circumstances.

Valletta took the points thanks to a Frank Temile header in first half added time but they probably deserved the points as they managed to control Floriana’s somewhat feeble reaction in the second half with a relative amount of ease.

Having surmounted this obstacle, the citizens now face two delicate encounters in the form of Sliema Wanderers (next Saturday) and Marsaxlokk (the following week).

As for Marsaxlokk, the champions still have to face Hamrun Spartans in what should be a relatively easy clash, before facing Valletta on 6 April.

Birkirkara seem to have the easiest programme as they still have to meet Floriana and Hamrun S. in their final two commitments in this first round.

At present, the Greens and the Spartans are lacking the right motivation.

The Greens were pathetic against Valletta and never appeared to be getting near to save the match despite their usual resistance in such derby matches.

On their part, the Spartans were a disorganised side against the Wanderers. Suffice to say that they suffered the two goals when Sliema played without Ivan Woods in the final 20 minutes, after the Malta striker saw red (he will be missing the important clash against Valletta).

Marsaxlokk missed the bus against the Stripes and Brian Talbot’s army is relegated to second spot having to chase Valletta for the leadership all over again.

The southern seasiders failed to ascertain themselves of the points early in the second half and they allowed Birkirkara to come back from behind to snatch all the three points with a late Mifsud Triganza goal.

Marsaxlokk had taken the lead through Frendo near the end of the first half. And they should have scored at least another on the changeover, but they failed to take their chances and later they paid the price for their lapses.

The Stripes can be considered as the great revelation of this season. Having just made it to the Championship Pool – they only made sure in their final match in the first phase – they have been the most consistent side in these opening three matches of the second phase.

They have obtained a good seven out of nine possible points from the other three title challengers (victories against Sliema and Marsaxlokk and a draw against Valletta).

The remaining programme obviously is in their favour. If they can get through with two wins against Floriana and Hamrun, then it is possible that they will start the second phase closer to the top than they ever expected at the start. And then everything will become possible in the remaining five matches.

For Sliema, the win over Hamrun was very important as it not only enabled them to return to winning form but also kept them in contention. Next Saturday against Valletta, it is going to be even more important for them as they are now aware that they will have to beat the citizens to narrow the gap to just three points, before their final clash against Floriana.

However, the Blues still struggle to find their true form. It is still unbelievable how such a team with so many talented players cannot find any sort of rhythm of play.

In the Relegation Pool match, Msida easily overcame an out of sorts Mqabba side to win three precious points.

The victory enabled the Saints to move on to 14 points in the standings, a full six points ahead of third placed Pieta Hotspurs.

For Mqabba, this defeat was perhaps their condemnation to relegation, although not yet mathematically sure. They remain on six points and with just 12 points up for grabs from their remaining four matches, it is more than obvious that they are fighting an almost lost battle.

Best player

Frank Temile (Valletta)

This young striker is my pick this week. He had another good performance against Floriana even scoring the goal that mattered just before the interval whistle.

There is no doubt that Temile is one of the most exciting players in the local Premier League this season. His acquisition by Valletta was precious as he managed to form a deadly combination with Argentine Sebastian Monesterolo who is the top scorer.

It is no surprise that some foreign clubs, especially in England, are eyeing this youngster. In summer we might even hear more news about him, although a move away might not go down well with the Valletta fans.

Next matches

(at Ta’ Qali Stadium)

Saturday 29 March

3pm Marsaxlokk-Hamrun S.

5pm Sliema W.-Valletta

Sunday 30 March

3pm Pieta H.-Hibernians

5pm Floriana-Birkirkara