Following the international break, with the defeat against Moldova and the slender win against Andorra, and the eventual firing of national coach Michele Marcolini, all eyes returned on the domestic scene with Matchday 4 of the 360 Sports Malta Premier.

After four matches the table is already taking shape and the actual top six in the standings already look good enough to keep their positions for the second phase.

Birkirkara and Sliema are the new leaders with ten points, as champions Hamrun Spartans were stunned by Mosta who ob‐ tained their first points and vic‐ tory of the season.

Newly promoted Zabbar St Patrick too obtained their win of the season against Zabbar, leaving only Marsaxlokk still in search of their first win of the season.

The programme started with the top match between Hibernians and Birkirkara with the Stripes scoring two second half goals to secure victory.

As expected it was a tight match with both having their good moments. However Hibernians were not sharp in front of goal, but on the other hand Birkirkara scored two of the chances that came their way, with their second goal scored by Siafa Etoha one of the best goals so far this season.

In the second match of the programme Gzira and Melita pro‐ duced a five‐goal thriller with the Maroons finally emerging win‐ ners with the odd goal in five.

However Melita gave another good display, even though they onec again left the field empty handed after their defeat against Hamrun.

For Gzira an important win that puts the Maroons with the top teams and with Thaylor Aldama scoring a brace.

Sliema confirmed all their solidity, scoring an early goal against Marsaxlokk, and hanged on to their slender lead to re‐ main on top of the standings.

Sliema are now surely one of the title contenders. With a super solid defence which is yet to concede the first goal, the Wanderers seem to be the team to beat this season.

Coach Paul Zammit has built a strong team with great potentials, and after winning the FA Trophy last season, and the Summer Cup at the start of this season, they are now aiming high.

For Marsaxlokk another disappointment. Still in search of the first point of the season, the side which was one of the best last season, just cannot get going this season.

It is still early but Marsaxlokk must solve their problems fast. These problems are mainly in at‐ tack where Winston Muscat's side just cannot put the ball at the back of the net.

On Sunday we had the first big surprise of the season when champions Hamrun Spartans lost against Mosta who were still in search of their first victory.

The Spartans disappointed, missing a penalty through Luke Montebello and also had Ryan Camenzuli sent off for dissent and will try to avenge themselves in their next outing against Balzan.

On Monday Floriana easily disposed of Naxxar to snatch the second consecutive win of the season. The Greens are quickly returning to last season's form and Darren Abdilla's side remains one of the favourites for the final win.

They dominated against a Naxxar side that defended for long stretches and only ventured forward after suffering the first goal.

Zabbar SP also registered their first win of the season beating Balzan with a goal in each half.

Zabbar had a difficult start, with a rather difficult calender and found the Premier rather hard so far.

But on Monday they deservedly obtained the points at stake against an erratic and below par Balzan side.

On Matchday 5, we have two very interesting encounters with Sliema facing neighbours Gzira, and with Hibernians facing Flori‐ ana in another crunch match.

Birkirkara can take advantage as they face Melita whilst from the lower end, another two di‐ rect clashes, Marsaxlokk against Mosta and Zabbar take on Naxxar.