Duo lead the way

By Simon Felstein

SP Libertas and SP Tre Penne became the first teams to qualify for the San Marino Championship play-offs as wintry weather continued to blight the calendar with two rounds of fixtures called off.

Leaders meet
The three remaining postponed 19/20 February fixtures were played on 9 March, with Group A leaders SP Tre Penne prevailing in the much-anticipated match against their Group B counterparts Libertas 2-1, courtesy of Maurizio di Giuli's decisive strike. However, both gained comfortable away wins ten days later to ensure top-three finishes respectively. Each only need one more victory to clinch first place and a bye into the second round.

Tre Penne close
Four play-off berths still remain undecided. S.S. Murata and SP Domagnano, currently second in Groups A and B respectively, have both collected 13 points from their last five matches. Murata will qualify if they win at champions S.S. Penarossa on 3 April, while Domagnano require just three more points, meaning victory against Virtus next Saturday would take them through.

Tre Fiori stumble
In Group A, SP Tre Fiori have fallen off the pace of the top two after losing 1-0 to both, though they did win at SP La Fiorita. Tre Fiori's mixed form has seen resurgent Penarossa move two points ahead in the crucial third spot.

Champions charge
Last season's double-winners have accumulated eleven points from a possible 15, including defeating Tre Penne 3-0 last Sunday as La Fiorita were held by SP Cailungo and saw their play-off hopes end. Cailungo also cannot qualify, but are clear of bottom side SP Cosmos who remain on four points, their results including a 7-1 defeat by S.S. Virtus.

Free-scoring Virtus
Meanwhile, in Group B three teams remain in contention for the two remaining play-off places along with Domagnano. Virtus are the form side of the trio, having scored 15 goals on their way to three wins, a draw and one defeat. They are now one point off GS Dogana, who are in possession of third place but only gained four points in four March games.

Faetano faltering
Their stalemate came against play-off rivals SC Faetano who are four points adrift of qualification, after gathering one win, two draws and a loss this month. At the bottom, S.S. San Giovanni are ten points below S.S. Montevito, who upset Virtus 2-0 this month, and S.S. Folgore.