The end of the first round of games in the 360 Sports Malta Premier threw up a number of surprises.
Birkirkara, who seemed untouchable as they went into their match with Floriana with a healthy eight point lead, suffered their first loss of the season. The 3-1 margin of their defeat may see questions asked about their dominance so far this season. Was it just a blip?
Floriana have narrowed the gap to the leaders to five points, still a considerable gap but on last nights showing, and in football, anything is possible.
Hibernians, who seem to have found a new lease of life after last season’s disappointments, appeared on course to secure third place in the top group as they lined up against Marsaxlokk. The first half was dominated by Hibs who created the better chances and should have had the game all sewn up by the break. The post and the frame of the goal, coupled with a number of brilliant saves from Drobnjak, Marsaxlokk’s keeper, kept Hibs at bay.
The worry was that the missed chances might come back to bite them. They did as against the run of play Marsaxlokk took the lead when Tange prodded home in a crowded penalty area.
Hibs did get back level but had to wait until late in the game to do so. Falcone’s header securing a point. But it should have been so much more. Such is football
Sliema Wanderers continued to show how they have improved as they moved third with a solid 3-0 win over strugging Naxxar, climbing above Hibs.
As for defending champions Hamrun Spartans, so far this has been a season to forget. They languished in the bottom half of the table and were in serious danger of not reaching the top tier of the new league format.
Locked in a battle with Gzira for the last remaining place in the top group, a draw or a defeat would not be enough to progress. It looked ominous for Hamrun as they were tied at 1-1 with only five minutes left on the clock. Good fortune smiled on them as Letherby hit a precious winner in the closing minutes to clinch that sixth place in the top group for Hamrun Spartans.
