Champions Birkirkara started the season on a great positive note after a very impressive performance in a 4-1 demolition of Sliema Wanderers on Monday night.

It was a great show of strength by Paul Zammit’s boys who never seemed to be missing seven of their regular players, most of them suspended, and included among them such top performers as Shaun Bajada, Paul Fenech and Nicola Vukanac.

The Stripes showed that they have strength in depth in their squad. In fact, with all those players missing, Paul Zammit should be credited with this great win as he had to reshuffle his strongest department – the midfield sector.

To add salt to the wound, the Stripes were also dealt another blow as Brazilian goalie Lovizon had to be carried off injured after only four minutes. He fractured his left arm and is expected to remain out of action for quite a long time.

The Blues seemed to have had the perfect start as they took the lead with a splendid goal early in the game, but when Birkirkara settled down, Mark Marlow’s boys simply failed to click once again and had to play second fiddle to a vastly superior Birkirkara side.

To become serious title challengers as I expected from them following their summer signings, Sliema will have to show a vast improvement, especially in defence which left much to be desired.

On Sunday, Valletta had to labour much harder than expected to overcome a stiff challenge offered by newly promoted Vittoriosa Stars.

In fact, the citizens had to wait till the final 10 minutes, when Vittoriosa were with a man short, to ascertain themselves of victory, as they scored a further two goals to the one they had scored in the opening minutes of the game.

At the end, what was more important for the citizens was winning the three points at stake, thus starting their challenge for the title with maximum points from their opening clash.

For the Stars, it was an encouraging performance. In fact, I had already predicted that they might be able to spring one or two surprises this season and that is still my belief after their first performance among the elite.

Hamrun Spartans and Hibernians both made an impressive start to this season’s campaign. Both registered 3-1 wins against Qormi and Floriana respectively.

The Spartans merited their win over Qormi as they dominated their opponents who never showed the flair of the past season when they finished a creditable fourth in the standings just missing a berth in the Europa League after losing a decider against Sliema for third place.

The yellow blacks certainly missed the striking power of last year’s duo composed of Alfred Effiong and Camilo da Silva Sanvezzo. Although it is still early in the season, it is obvious that they will have to show a vast improvement to make an impact in this campaign.

Hibernians were an impressive outfit in the first weekend as they registered a handsome win, perhaps more convincing than the scoreline suggests.

The Paolites seem to be a vastly improved outfit over the past season and with striker Paul McManus confirming his pre-season goal-scoring form, it is obvious that Mark Miller’s side will be among the main challengers this season.

It cannot be said that Floriana disappointed their fans with their performance. Todor Raikov’s boys played on a par with their opponents until they suffered two quick goals midway through the opening half.

The Greens, however, failed to make the strong reaction one might have expected in the second half and, after suffering a third goal, the match was as good as over. A late goal by Ryan Darmanin was only poor consolation for their fans.

In the other match, there was only boredom to report as Tarxien and Marsaxlokk fought out a goalless draw which rarely enthused those present at Ta’ Qali.

I expected more from these two sides, especially after their encouraging performances in pre-season tournaments. Although it is still early in the season, they also need to improve to have a fair say in the proceedings.

Tarxien were just a shade of the side which provided spectators with a lot of entertainment last season, while the southern seasiders, with so many experienced players among their ranks, also left their fans disappointed.

Best player

Emiliano Lattes (Birkirkara FC)

The former Msida SJ striker, who was discarded by Sliema earlier this summer, is my first pick for this new season.

He made a memorable debut for the Stripes on Monday night. He was to be seen everywhere on the field of play – in attack, midfield and also in defence. He never stopped running, providing the Sliema defence with a lot of anxious moments, especially with his freekicks.

After going close to scoring on several occasions, he crowned his great performance with a goal near the end of the match.

The scorers

2 goals – P. McManus (Hibernians), M. Galea (Birkirkara)

1 goal – G. Mallia (Qormi), R. Darmanin (Floriana), K. Sammut, D. Falzon, I. Zammit (all Valletta), J. Lima Sequeira (Sliema), T. Vella, E. Lattes (both Birkirkara), T. Caruana (Hibernians), M. Pereira, R. Mangion, D. Shields (Hamrun S.).