Three teams lead the way in exciting BOV Premier League

Valletta’s goalless stalemate against Ħamrun Spartans on Sunday meant that three teams are sharing top spot after matchday 11 of the BOV Premier League. After wins for Balzan, who beat Tarxien Rainbows 1-0, and Gżira United, 3-1 winners over Naxxar Lions, the onus was on Valletta to return to the top but to do so, they needed three points from their difficult clash with Ħamrun Spartans. But the match was indeed a tricky one for the Citizens who had the better chances in the first half but struggled to break down the Spartans’ resistance as Jacques Scerri’s team proved a match for their rivals. Valletta’s second successive 0-0 draw left them level with Balzan and Gżira United on 24 points, only one ahead of Floriana who maintained their unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory over Old Firm rivals Sliema Wanderers. The growing perception that Floriana have what it takes to challenge for the championship has been strengthened after their win over Sliema. Goran Adamovic’s own goal after 20 minutes decided a tight match with the win lifting Floriana on the 23-point mark. With Hibernians, who edged out Birkirkara 1-0, on 21 points and Sliema on 20, only four points separate the leading six teams, heightening expectations of a pulsating race not only for the title but for top-four positions. The situation is no less intriguing in the bottom half of the table as the fight against relegation also promises to be tight and hard-fought with five teams – Senglea Athletic, St Andrews, Tarxien Rainbows, Naxxar Lions and Lija Athletic separated by only four points. The coming weekend promises to throw up more excitement and drama as the programme features no fewer than four derbies – Valletta-Floriana, Hibernians-Tarxien Rainbows, Mosta-Naxxar Lions and Sliema Wanderers-Gżira United.