Nothing was decided the past weekend as the remaining two berths in the Top Six and another two in the Relegation Pool are still up for grabs. Marsaxlokk, Qormi, Hamrun Spartans and Sliema Wanderers are still keeping their fingers crossed that they will be able to make it at the last hurdle. The weekend also saw the return of Michael Mifsud as the Malta striker scored a remarkable hat-trick on his debut for Qormi.

Despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Hamrun Spartans on Saturday, Valletta still managed to extend their lead at the top – now to a massive 13 points.

That happened after their closest challengers, Tarxien Rainbows, lost their derby to Hibernians the following day and failed to maintain their albeit slow pace in their efforts to try and catch up with the leaders.

In the meantime, in the battle for the two Top Six berths, of the four teams still in contention, it was only Marsaxlokk who stumbled as they dropped two precious points in a 2-2 draw against Vittoriosa Stars.

The citizens disappointed their numerous followers on Saturday as they had to settle for a point against Hamrun Spartans.

The latter deserved to take away a point – after four consecutive defeats – and are now very hopeful of making it to the Top Six. But they first have to dispose of bottom placed Vittoriosa Stars in their final match in this first phase.

The Spartans had Dyson Falzon in top form against his former club. The midfielder inspired his team-mates to a fighting performance against the runaway league leaders and at the end it was only fitting that he scored the equaliser – a beauty of a goal, one of the best seen this season.

The Spartans also had goalie Omar Borg and central defender Massimo Grima to thank. They were both outstanding with the former being a protagonist soon after the Spartans got their equalizer by saving Terence Scerri’s penalty, while Grima was a pillar at the back as City’s Brazilian newcomer Andrade Antunes Anderson struggled to make an impact.

It is still early to assess the qualities of this player. He has only been with his team mates for a few days and is expected to make progress in the forthcoming matches.

But Valletta were only a shadow of what we have become accustomed to see of late.

The team never showed the determination seen in previous matches. When they took the lead, it seemed as if they took victory for granted, and that enabled the Spartans to hit back.

The weekend belonged to Michael Mifsud. After so many stories and rumours, he finally agreed to play for Qormi and there he was on Saturday making his presence felt as he hit the Stripes like lightning on a sunny day.

Mifsud was on target three times leaving no doubt that his killer touch has not deserted him despite being without a team for the last eight months. His performance must have been a source of encouragement for national coach John Buttigieg just a few days before the friendly clash with Switzerland which is being played tomorrow.

Mifsud’s goals enabled Qormi to take command of their match against the champions and there is no doubt that Qormi will owe him a lot if he leads the side to a Top Six berth, especially if they win their last encounter against Marsaxlokk next Sunday.

Birkirkara were poor at the back and they absolutely had no idea of what was happening on the field of play whenever Mifsud had the ball at his feet.

Paul Zammit’s side, once again without some top elements, lacked cohesion and true fighting spirit as Qormi subdued them after Mifsud scored those two early goals.

And although the Stripes got one back soon after, and also threatened to score an equaliser, Qormi were very steady at the back and Birkirkara rarely threatened again before finally throwing in the towel in the final 20 minutes.

Sliema Wanderers also took the three points in this interesting battle as they beat Old Firm rivals Floriana thanks to an 89th minute penalty from Obifuele.

However, this win might prove to be too late for the Blues. In fact, not only do they have to beat Hibernians in the final match, but they have to rely on the results of the other matches, hoping for a slip by Marsaxlokk, Qormi or Hamrun (Qormi and Marsaxlokk face each other while Hamrun play against Vittoriosa).

The Greens will certainly recriminate a referee’s decision not to award them a penalty in the first half, but Sliema perhaps were slightly better, even if a draw would have been a fairer result.

On Friday, Marsaxlokk made a partial slip as they dropped two precious points against Vittoriosa Stars.

But with a match against Qormi lining up on Sunday, they are faced with the prospect of ending up on a par with Marsaxlokk and Hamrun, if the latter beat Vittoriosa. That would certainly make things more interesting – and will further complicate things.

On their part, the Stars must have been happy with the point obtained as that will keep them close to the other three teams that will be contesting the Relegation Pool.

No doubt, they have not yet thrown in the towel and I expect them to be a headache to all their opponents in the second phase.

Second placed Tarxien failed to close the gap with the leaders. Instead, their defeat against the Paolites enabled Valletta to increase their lead to 13 points.

The Rainbows disappointed their numerous fans in this derby which, quite deservedly, went Hibs way.

The Paolites finally showed some glimpses of what they are able to do and they might have served notice that they will be doing their utmost to prove their critics wrong when the second phase arrives.

Best player

\Dyson Falzon

(Hamrun S.)

The Spartans youngster, on loan from Valletta till the end of the season, is my pick this weekend after an excellent performance against his former team-mates.

Falzon was the perfect example of what a professional player should be – he gave his all for his new club including a spectacular goal which must be considered among the best seen this season.

Falzon was right not to celebrate his goal, perhaps. It came so soon after his loan transfer.

After this performance, the Spartans seem to have been assured that they have made the perfect capture to replace Ryan Fenech.

Top scorers

14 goals T. Scerri (Valletta)

9 goals G. Spiteri (Hamrun S.), A. Effiong (Marsaxlokk)

8 goals D. Rocha dos Santos (Valletta)

7 GOALS C. Dos Santos Rodrigues (Tarxien R.)

6 goals I. Woods (Floriana), E. Lattes (Birkirkara), A. Ewurum (Vittoriosa S.), D. Nwoke (Floriana), D. Mariano Bueno (Tarxien R.)