The BOV Premier League action resumed this weekend after the Christmas break and coincided with the January transfer window. Some clubs presented new players as the championship enters an interesting phase towards the end of the first round, when teams are split into two Pools and points are halved. There were other quite familiar faces who made a return to the Premier League while some players changed teams and will now play in new club colours for the remainder of the season.

Silvio Vella analyses this weekend’s Premier League matches

The clash between the top two teams in the table, Valletta and Hibernians stole the limelight. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with honours even as Valletta maintained their six-point advantage over their nearest challengers from Paola, on an afternoon when the club from the capital announced that they had appointed Italian Antonio Esposito as the new director general.

It is hoped that through his experience and contacts in Italy, Esposito will help Valletta in more transfer opportunities with the aim of strengthening the team for European competition. Esposito is already the sponsor of international defender from Burkina Faso Saidou Madi Panandetiguiri, who is expected to make his appearance for Valletta some time in February after taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations with his country.

The good crowd present at Ta’ Qali on Saturday was entertained by an early Hibernians goal but Valletta fought back to equalise by the half hour. Both goals came from set pieces.

Hibernians’ Brazilian defender Rodolfo Soares turned striker to head in a Failla corner, and on the other end the returning Michael Mifsud put the final touch to Denni’s corner after the Hibernians’ defence was late to clear. Valletta’s international striker finally ended his goal drought after going barren since last September.

The leaders dominated play and held more of the initiative as Hibernians were made to retreat deep, retaining a certain defensive sturdiness to hold on for a point when clearly under par. Goalkeeper Mario Muscat was also inspirational despite going through some difficult personal problems.

The return of Belgian defender Jason Vandelannoite, formerly with Qormi, might be a good buy and help them ease some of the present defensive problems. As for Hibernians, they rarely severely tested the Valletta keeper Andrew Hogg and failed to close the gap on the leaders. Six points are although not unassailable, even when these are halved, but Valletta have more consistency despite being unimpressive in their play at times. On a positive note for their opponents, Hibernians have already taken five points off the champions this season.

This draw presented the perfect opportunity for Floriana to move closer to second place. Their comfortable 4-0 win against Marsaxlokk consolidates third place in the standings and are now only two points behind Hibernians. Floriana remain unbeaten in their last seven matches and the additions of Akoto, Sodje and Grabowski among their foreigners will surely bolster their squad. The energy of Manolito Micallef, Ivan Woods and Christian Cassar helps fuel Floriana forward in what looks to be another memorable season for them. Malcolm Licari, their latest signing from Marsaxlokk played only for the last 20 minutes and both Pablo Doffo and Christian Caruana were suspended on Sunday.

Qormi finally returned to winning ways, bringing a negative streak of three consecutive league defeats to a halt. Punctuated by the inspirational play of their returning midfielder Joseph Farrugia, Qormi dismantled Hamrun Spartans with three clear goals and even contrived to miss a penalty.

They have now caught up with Birkirkara with 23 points in fifth place as the race for three remaining places in the Championship Pool is hotting up. Balzan Youths are only two points behind Birkirkara after drawing against other promoted side Mqabba on Friday.

Balzan, who added Eviparker and Deanov to their squad for the rest of the season, were twice in the lead, but on both occasions they were caught up by resilient Mqabba, who clinched a very late equaliser in a match that reserved its best for last.

A dominant but profligate display by Birkirkara punished them excessively.

The Stripes created very little against Sliema Wanderers, down to ten men for the entire second half. Birkirkara enjoyed more of possession but were unable to breach their opponents organised defence. Their lack of penetration is adversely effecting the side who have scored only once in their last five matches and need reinforcements in attack. Sliema, who suffered without Jackson Lima and Jorge Silva and had the loaned Ryan Fenech from Valletta looking out of sorts, pilfered all three points with a dramatic late winner from substitute Jeri Ani with a header in added time. It eases some of the club’s present pressures for the time being.

Hamrun Spartans and Tarxien Rainbows’ woes increase though with every passing week. They have slumped to worrying defeats at the weekend, to Qormi and Mosta respectively as they are unable to arrest the slump. Both sides have little creativity and no cutting edge. They have no pace. That is only partially the fault of the blunt strike force. It is also because of the poverty of the play behind them. There is too much staleness about the two sides. Without the injection of some new blood, they might be deeply embroiled in the relegation issue come the championship’s second phase.

And one last mention to Mosta who moved away from the bottom, courtesy of their win against Tarxien Rainbows, to hand the wooden spoon to troubled Marsaxlokk. Mosta have also been strengthened by the experienced buys of Raimy and Obiefule. Since Steve D’Amato has taken over as a coach, Mosta won eight points in five matches, three more than the team had gained in the previous 11 matches under coach Oliver Spiteri. But comparisons are odious….are they?

Best player

Joseph Farrugia (Qormi)

The return of their mentor Joseph Farrugia after injury galvanized the team and helped Qormi to get their campaign back on track after three defeats.

The Qormi captain impressed against Hamrun Spartans with a performance full of energy and industry. His opener was beautifully executed, beating the Hamrun keeper at the top corner from outside the area. He contrived to miss a penalty shortly afterwards but that does not take anything away from his contribution on Saturday.

Perhaps his present form deserves a call-up in the national side.

Top scorers

17 - Edison Luis dos Santos (Hibernians)

10 – Obinna Obiefule (Marsaxlokk)

9 - Joseph Farrugia (Qormi), Clayton Failla (Hibernians)

8 - Moises Avila Perez (Birkirkara), Alfred Effiong (Valletta), D. Rocha dos Santos (Valletta), Danial Mitev (Sliema), Jorge Pereira (Qormi)

7 - Thiago Mazzitelli, Bojan Mamic (Mqabba)