Valletta to start second round just ahead of Birkirkara and Qormi

Sliema W., Floriana and Hamrun back to winning form

Valletta will be commencing the second round of the first phase the coming weekend at the top of the standings, one point ahead of second-placed Birkirkara and Qormi and four above Hibernians.

This has come about after former leaders Qormi were crushed 5-2 by an in-form Birkirkara on Saturday which was followed by an unexpected Hibs defeat against Sliema, while Valletta themselves easily defeated bottom club Dingli Swallows on Sunday.

At this stage, Floriana, five points behind the citizens, and Sliema, a further two points below the Greens, cannot also be written off as everything can still happen before the eventual Top Six teams to fight it out for the title are known at the end of the forthcoming second round.

The match of the week was undoubtedly the clash between Qormi and Birkirkara where the latter confirmed their current good moment, registering a third consecutive victory.

Coach Paul Zammit, formerly of Valletta, had a somewhat quiet start to the season, but I must congratulate him for taking his relatively young side to the heights they have achieved so far.

I credit the Stripes progress this season to the fact that they are scoring the goals freely. And it is not only Comvalius or Michael Galea who are delivering the goods. Now there is also Trevor Cilia and “veteran” midfielder George Mallia helping in no uncertain manner.

The Stripes are definitely playing the better football of all the 10 Premier teams and, if they can maintain such form throughout the campaign, they will be a main challenger for the title all the way – till the very end.

As for Qormi, it was a very disappointing outing. They were totally outclassed by a side which showed superiority in all departments.

There is not much to say about the performance of Jesmond Zerafa’s side this weekend. It was an embarrassing defeat which they will do well to forget quickly if they are to get back on the winning track soon.

Another top match was the clash between Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers, which was decided with a late strike from JP Mifsud Triganza in Sliema’s favour.

Neither team appeared good enough to snatch the three points until that goal arrived. In fact, it was a low key match which produced only a few thrilling moments.

The Blues saw more of the ball, perhaps, and were rewarded for their persistent efforts with that late goal.

The three points lifted them to a position where they still be considered as contenders for the title, in the knowledge that the points will be halved at the end of the second round.

Hibernians lost three valuable points and they now find themselves four points behind leaders Valletta.

Although there was nothing dramatic about the defeat – there is still ample time to recover – however, coach Mark Miller must have been concerned with the poor performance of some of his players who never appeared to be showing the necessary commitment and enthusiasm as was the case last year when the team deservedly won the title.

The Paolites need to come back strongly in the second round starting at the weekend if they are to maintain the pace at the top.

On Sunday, Valletta had no difficulty in brushing away a feeble challenge from Dingli to secure top spot in the standings with a 4-1 win.

There was only one team really in this match. All that Dingli did was, perhaps, try to avoid a bigger defeat. After all, the gap between the two sides was evident and the Swallows were aware well before kick-off that they have to get the points in matches against other fellows-in-distress.

In the process, Valletta did well to win comfortably buoyed by an early goal scored by Ian Zammit. After that, the match had no further story.

On Friday, Hamrun Spartans, reduced to 10 men early, did themselves a world of good by beating Tarxien Rainbows by a solitary goal.

These were three very precious points for the Spartans which have enabled them to join the same Rainbows on nine points, therefore four points away from the sixth place, which remains a dream for them, Tarxien and perhaps, Msida.

The Rainbows disappointed their followers. After their recent performances, in which they surprised some of the top sides, they could not overcome a 10-man Spartans side which showed determination to obtain all the three points.

Floriana also scored a late injury time goal to earn three points which kept them in contention, not only for a Top Six place, but also in the battle for the title.

Considering recent seasons, this must be the best start for the Greens – 15 points at the end of the first round.

It was all heartbreak for Msida. They had suffered a late goal but were still good enough to rally for an equaliser before the end of normal time. However, when it seemed as if they would be earning a point, the Greens struck again through Orosko Anonam to clinch all the points.