Malta round-up: Contenders hold their form

The Maltese Premier League remains a tight affair as the top three all won their weekend matches.

Comeback win for leaders
Leaders Sliema Wanderers FC ensured they would at least keep their four-point cushion with a 3-1 win against lowly Mosta FC on Friday night. The top-flight newcomers did not make life easy for Sliema, and took the lead on 16 minutes through Matthew Agius. However, Brian Said converted Ian Ciantar's cross just before half-time to level, and in the last quarter-hour, Noel Turner and Kevin Sammut ensured victory for Sliema.

Valetta beat champions
However, their hopes of extended their lead to six or seven points ended the next day as Valletta FC and Birkirkara FC both registered wins. Second-placed Valetta dealt a blow to champions Hibernians FC's attempt to retain their title with a 2-0 victory, Daniel Bogdanovic opening the scoring on six minutes and David Carabott confirming the win late on. Hibernians are now 12 points behind Sliema in fourth place.

Fliorana ground down
Meanwhile, Birkirkara overcame a resolute Floriana FC side. Despite admirable resistance from Floriana, substitute Matthew Calascione broke through 12 minutes from the end and the same player was brought down in the box not long afterwards, Lucien Dronca converting the penalty. A second substitute, Alan Tabone, completed the 3-0 win with a goal three minutes from the end.

Close in mid-table
Marsaxlokk FC moved to within a point of fifth-placed Pietà Hotspurs FC with a 1-0 win on Sunday. Carmel Formosa's sixth goal of the season after 35 minutes was all Marsaxlokk needed to continue Pieta's recent disappointing run.

Marsa victory
Bottom-placed Marsa came from behind to secure only their second league win this season, beating Hamrun Spartans 2-1. Stefan Sultana had given Hamrun the lead in the 48th minute, but goals from Stefano Grima and Malcolm Tirchett brought Marsa up to just a point behind Mosta.