The 2011/2012 Bank of Valletta Premier League is over. As expected and, as was predicted before the start of the season, Valletta confirmed their great potential by winning a second consecutive title – their 21st in the club’s glorious history. I firmly believe their new era is set to stay for long as there seems to be no serious challenger in sight.

Henry Brincat takes a brief look at what happened this season.

It has been another glorious season for Valletta FC, even if their celebrations on Saturday were marred by defeat against second placed Hibernians.

The citizens had been earmarked for another title win well before the start of the season, simply because they had a large squad with the best local talents available. No other team could match such talent.

Hibernians offered a challenge till the early part of the Championship Pool, but when they failed to win the Pool’s first round clash between the two teams, it already seemed to be over.

On that day, Valletta won 3-2. In my opinion it was that defeat which sent the Paolites reeling. The gap between the two teams became too big to be bridged and Valletta could go on and win the title comfortably even with three matches to go.

This was the first championship with 12 teams and making an analysis of the situation, I am convinced that it was not so bad as we might have predicted in the pre-season.

After all, with Valletta being so dominant, it was evident that interest in the championship would be minimal unless a team or two, at least, remained in a challenging position till the end.

Valletta’s superiority confirmed that with 12, 10 or even eight teams, there would have been a lack of interest in the title chase.

But at the other end, it was a totally different story. For the first time in several years, the Relegation Pool was very interesting.

In fact, the relegation issue was decided on Friday – the last day – with Mqabba having to join Marsaxlokk in next season’s first division.

As everyone must be aware, it went to the wire as Mosta enjoyed a three-point lead over Mqabba before the final match last Friday.

So the position was clear: Mosta needed just a draw against Qormi to make sure of staying at least another season in the Premier League, while Mqabba needed per force to win their match against Hamrun Spartans while hoping that Qormi would eventually beat Mosta.

That situation would have forced a decider between the two teams, but it was not to be. Mqabba went on to beat Hamrun Spartans convincingly 4-1, but so did Mosta who won comfortably by the same scoreline.

The two teams had been promoted the past season, but while Mosta managed to save their bacon, Mqabba missed out and will now have to start from scratch next season.

From these columns we salute Mqabba – and Marsaxlokk - and wish them a speedy return among the elite.

It has been a season of mixed fortunes for Mqabba, which however finished in a disappointing end.

On a positive note is the fact that they remained so close to saving their status till the very end. Perhaps never did we have a team being relegated after accumulating such a large number of points – 21 in fact – but here one must also say that all the teams played more matches this season.

For Mosta, it was also a season of mixed fortunes but they certainly have striker Obinna Obiefule to thank. He ended up as the top scorer of the Premier League with 34 goals, beating Danilo Doncic’s record of 32 goals established in season 2001/2002 while playing with Valletta.

Obiefule was certainly an outstanding star – he hit another hat-trick in Friday night’s win and I feel he has become the hottest property in local football. He started the season at Marsaxlokk and then moved to Mosta in January after it became impossible for the beleagured seasiders to keep him.

Mosta will certainly have to pull out all the tricks if they are to keep him within their ranks the coming season. I expect some of the top clubs, especially those taking part in the two European club competitions, to do their utmost to obtain his services.

Marsaxlokk also bid adieu to the Premier League in style as they registered a fine 4-2 victory against Tarxien Rainbows.

It was a useless win, of course, but it may certainly help the technical staff to start preparing for next season if they are entertaining hopes of making a strong challenge for a quick return.

The race for third place came to a timid end with Birkirkara assured of that berth thanks to their very easy 3-0 win against Balzan Youths and also courtesy of Floriana’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of their eternal rivals Sliema Wanderers.

For the Stripes it was some consolation for the disappointments they encountered during most of this season. But for the Greens it was a disastrous end to the campaign – finished a distant fourth when at one time they seemed to be challenging Valletta seriously for the title. But at least they secured their place in next season’s Europa League.

For Sliema it was a finish on a positive note after another season of disappointments. But they failed in their aim to play in Europe next season.

Best player

Mario Muscat (Hibernians)

Goalkeeper Mario Muscat is my pick this weekend after his very impressive performance against Valletta.

The veteran goalie was easily the best player on the field of play on Saturday afternoon as he defied the citizens and was mostly responsible for City’s defeat – their second at the hands of Hibernians this season.

On Saturday, Muscat confirmed that he is still a very valid goalkeeper and he still can be of sterling service to his club, if not for the national team.

Top scorers

34 - Obinna Obiefule (Mosta)

21 - Edison Luis dos Santos (Hibs)

18 - Jorge Pereira (Qormi)

15 - A. Ribeiro (Hamrun), Moises Avila Perez (Birkirkara), Bojan Mamic (Mqabba)

14 - Clayton Failla (Hibs)

13 - Pedro Calcado (Balzan)

12 - William Barbosa, Denni Rocha dos Santos (both Valletta)