The first weekend of the Championship and the Relegation Pools saw the three teams at the top, especially Valletta and Hibernians, registering confidence-boosting wins, while Birkirkara were back on the warpath with a comfortable 2-0 win over Floriana.

With one match out of the 10 to be played gone, the position remains the same with Hibernians enjoying a one-point lead over Valletta and five over Birkirkara. Of course, everything is still to be played for and the first top match is scheduled for next Saturday when Valletta face Birkirkara.

One thing, however, was obvious in the performances of the three teams – they showed they all have high hopes of winning the title.

Hibs displayed the same consistency and power that they have been showing throughout all the season while Valletta and Birkirkara showed tremendous progress over previous performances, confirming that they are now reaching their peak in time for the run-in to the title.

One also has to concede that the three clubs played against what one must consider inferior opponents, but the way they went about their job simply confirmed that the places they occupy in the standings are more than justified.

Hibernians seem to be going from strength to strength and although Valletta remain the pundits’ firm favourites for the title because of their strength in depth (they have a bigger squad than all the others), it is evident that the Paolites are no longer relying only on the goal-scoring talents of Terence Scerri, the league’s top scorer.

Other players who are helping Hibernians’ cause this season are Andrew Cohen, back to his best form after a long-term injury and Clayton Failla, who must be considered as the most improved youngster this season.

When Aaron Xuereb is also back in the side after injury, the side will grow further in confidence, especially at the back.

Marsaxlokk failed to maintain the progress shown in the last four matches of the first phase during which they obtained enough points to oust Msida SJ from sixth place.

Patrick Curmi’s boys are still occupying bottom position, but with Sliema and Floriana also losing, they remain just two points off the fourth place which could mean their entry into the Europa League next season. However, this possibility – for them and Floriana – is still remote at present, given the circumstances. This is because of the fact that Valletta and Sliema will be contesting this year’s Trophy final.

Valletta were also impressive in the demolishing of a lethargic Sliema side which disappointed from start to finish.

Valletta quickly took command and after scoring early, they made sure of the result by the 17th minute when they were already leading 3-0. They went on to score two more second half goals to confirm their ascendancy.

Paul Zammit’s boys did what they practically wanted as Sliema failed to put in a decent fight.

Suffering three early goals certainly did not help them gain much needed confidence, but Valletta were the masters on a bright sunny afternoon and there was no holding the champions from registering their 19th positive result in the competition – in fact, they remain unbeaten.

Birkirkara’s result was not convincing as that of Hibernians and Valletta, but their performance certainly was. In fact, they were so superior against the Greens that the latter seemed to be inexistent.

John Buttigieg must have been more than satisfied with his side’s display in the knowledge that their chances for the title rely heavily on their forthcoming clash against Valletta – a match they cannot afford to lose.

The Stripes were definitely helped by the fact that they took an early lead through that splendid freekick from former Greens midfielder Shaun Bajada.

Floriana failed to put in a sort of reaction and never really troubled the Birkirkara defence, except in the final moments, when they also missed a good chance of scoring a consolation goal.

If the Greens are to battle for fourth place (like Marsaxlokk), they will have to improve considerably.

In the Relegation Pool, Tarxien Rainbows confirmed their intentions of waging a big battle to avoid relegation with a hard-fought victory over Qormi, even if it materialised in the final moments of a keenly contested match.

The Blues from Tarxien once again had Brazilian striker Daniel Mariano Bueno to thank. He struck twice to give his side the 2-1 win over Qormi and three very precious points.

For Qormi, it was a disappointing defeat. Having laboured to equalise Bueno’s opener in the first half, they saw their hopes receding near the end – it appeared to be heading in the sharing of the spoils - when Bueno struck again in what proved to be the winner for the Rainbows.

Tarxien have now moved into second place, one point behind Msida who have 11 points. Hamrun are third on nine and Qormi have now been pushed to the bottom of the standings, remaining on eight points. Of course, Msida and Hamrun have the forthcoming weekend match between them in hand.

Division One

We have been informed that Piet’s second goal in their 4-2 win over Senglea on Sunday was scored by Karl Pulo and not by Terence Vella, as inadvertently published.

Best player

Daniel Mariano Bueno (Tarxien R.)

This Brazilian striker was again instrumental in his side’s 2-1 win over fellow relegation battlers Qormi on Sunday afternoon. He scored the opener and then also the winner near the end.

Bueno has established himself as one of the leading Premier League strikers this season, only second to local boy Terence Scerri of Hibernians.

There is no doubt that he will be a most sought after player in the summer transfer market with possibly Valletta, Sliema and Birkirkara lining up interesting offers.

Next matches

Saturday 21 March

(at Ta’ Qali Stadium)

2pm Hibernians-Floriana

4pm Birkirkara-Valletta

Sunday 22 March

(at Hibs Ground)

2pm Hamrun S.-Msida SJ

4pm Marsaxlokk-Sliema W.