All clubs have played their eighth match with the exception of Valletta and Hamrun Spartans. That match is scheduled for 1 December. In the meantime, Floriana and Tarxien won maximum points from their weekend encounters and have now reached Marsaxlokk – who could only draw with bottom placed Vittoriosa Stars – in second place. Henry Brincat analyses the situation after the weekend matches.

Only four matches were played the past weekend, but their importance was confirmed as the results showed.

In the match between the ‘Old Firm’ rivals Sliema and Floriana, former Wanderers player Ivan Woods condemned Sliema to yet another defeat while in the southern derby between Tarxien and Hibernians, the Rainbows emerged once again on top by two goals to nil.

On Sunday, Vittoriosa Stars confirmed they are on the way to recovery after a dismal start to the season as they drew 1-1 with second placed Marsaxlokk, while in the match that followed, Birkirkara returned to victory after four matches, beating a disappointing Qormi side 2-0.

The match of the weekend was undoubtedly the derby between Tarxien and Hibernians – a fiery match in front of a noisy crowd which ended in a 2-0 win for the Rainbows.

It was another blow for Mark Miller’s side which is still finding the going very tough despite the abundant talent among its ranks.

The Paolites’ fans are certainly not very happy with the way things are developing this season when after eight matches, the club has earned just six points.

It is true that they were very unlucky as they suffered a rare own goal early in the match which paved the way for Tarxien’s victory.

But it is also true that the side failed to react properly to that setback and Tarxien confirmed their recent improvement with another positive performance which must have more than pleased coach Noel Coleiro.

The Rainbows confirmed their current good moment as they have now moved to joint second place in the standings, four points behind leaders Valletta, who, however, have a game in hand.

The side was lucky in that first goal but in the second half, they crowned another good performance with a brilliant second goal scored by Pacheco who is proving to be one of the best foreigners in this season’s Premier League.

On such form I cannot see the Rainbows failing to earn a berth in the Top Six once again this season.

Floriana are also in joint second place with Tarxien and Marsaxlokk after their narrow victory over Sliema.

It was a big boost for the Greens ahead of their important match against city and suburban rivals Valletta next Saturday.

The Greens perhaps, were a shade better than their rivals in all departments and therefore I think they merited their victory which matured thanks to an early fifth minute goal from veteran striker Ivan Woods, ironically ‘allowed’ to join their great rivals by the Wanderers in summer.

The Greens never set any houses on fire, but they created more than the Wanderers, even hitting a post through Ryan Darmanin.

Sliema did not take their few chances and paid the penalty, even if it was Floriana goalie Lofti Saidi who denied Mifsud Triganza an equaliser in the second half.

After this third consecutive defeat, the Blues remain on just eight points from eight matches, another side which, like Hibernians, is not delivering.

Marsaxlokk remained in second place, but their 1-1 draw against the Stars meant that they have now been reached by Tarxien Rainbows and Floriana on the 13-point mark.

After their recent performances, one might have expected Vittoriosa to offer strong resistance to the southern seasiders. But I had also expected Marsaxlokk to win this encounter hands down.

That they did not was only their fault as they dominated the match for long stretches but contrived to miss a number of chances which should have assured them of victory.

Full credit, however, must go to bottom club Vittoriosa. This result confirms their recent improvement. Moreover, this time, they fought back to equalise after having gone 1-0 in arrears.

The Stars are proving to be a hard nut to crack for any opposition and I firmly believe they will be battling seriously to avoid relegation.

Having overcome that unlucky and disastrous start to the season, they can now look forward with optimism.

In the final match on the weekend’s programme, Birkirkara returned to winning form as they beat Qormi by two clear goals – one in each half.

The Stripes have therefore moved to a healthier place in the standings – on 12 points – while Qormi remain close to the bottom with just eight points from eight matches.

Among the Stripes ranks, coach Paul Zammit welcomed back midfielder Rowen Muscat, one of local football’s most promising youngsters – he had been ruled out through injury the past two months or so.

The Stripes never set any houses on fire, but they dominated for most of the time as Qormi disappointed their followers once again.

The side lacks the commitment they showed last season and on Sunday, they had to play second fiddle for most of the time. They rarely showed creativity and this showed why they have gone through four matches without a victory and also without scoring a goal.

The yellow blacks certainly need to show a lot of improvement if they are to avoid finishing in the Relegation Pool this season.

Best player

Sergio Pacheco (Tarxien R.)

The Tarxien marksman is my pick this week after his five-star performance in the derby against Hibernians on Saturday.

It was another polished performance by this intelligent Brazilian player who is confirming that he is one of the most exciting foreigners gracing our Premier League this season.

Tarxien’s second goal scored by Pacheco was simply a brilliant move and shot which had the word class written all over it.

Pacheco is that kind of player which every club needs among its ranks in order for our teams to improve their levels.

Top scorers

7 goals Alfred Effiong (Marsaxlokk)

6 goals Terence Scerri (Valletta),

4 goals Paul McManus (Hibernians), Marcelo Pereira (Hamrun S.), Kevin Sammut (Valletta), E. Lattes (Birkirkara)

3 goals George Mallia (Qormi), Dene Shields (Hamrun S.), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Michael Galea, T. Vella (both B’Kara), JP Mifsud Triganza (Sliema), A. Ewurum (Vittoriosa), S. Pacheco, R. Costa (both Tarxien R.)

2 goals T. Cilia, (Birkirkara), P. Anizoba, M. Grima, G. Spiteri (Hamrun S.), DM Bueno, C. dos Santos Rodrigues (Tarxien R.), Obinna Obiefule, (Sliema), D. Falzon, J. Pace, D. Rocha dos Santos (all Valletta), M. Mecerod (Floriana), Jorge S. Silva (Vittoriosa), Ivan Woods (Floriana)

Next matches

Friday 26 November

(at V. Tedesco Stadium)

7.30pm Hamrun S.-Vittoriosa S.

Saturday 27 November

(at Ta’ Qali Stadium)

2pm Hibernians-Sliema W.

4pm Valletta-Floriana

Sunday 28 November

(at Hibernians Stadium)

2pm Marsaxlokk-Qormi

4pm Birkirkara-Tarxien R.