Malta round-up: Challengers keep up pace

The top three in the Maltese Premier League all picked up weekend victories as the race for the six-team championship phase nears its end.

Four points clear
Sliema Wanderers FC remain four points clear of Birkirkara FC, having played a game more, after a comfortable 5-0 win against struggling Marsa FC. Orosco Anoman put the league leaders ahead on 22 minutes, and Nenad Veslji doubled the advantage not long before the break. Goals early in the second half from Massimo Grima and Noel Turner extinguished any Marsa comback hopes before Kevin Sammut completed the scoring in added time.

Comeback win
Birkirkara FC had earlier opened the weekend's games with a 4-2 win against Hamrun Spartans FC, twice coming from behind. Kevin Borg gave Hamrun a third-minute lead only for Lucien Dronca to level from the spot on eleven minutes after Roderick Briffa was felled by goalkeeper Ivan Casha. Cesar Paiber restored Hamrun's advantage on the stroke of half-time, but the league's top scorer Michael Galea equalised early in the second period and goals from Dronca and George Mallia in the last five minutes ensured Birkirkara of victory.

Pietà blow

Floriana hope
Sixth-placed Pietà were joined on 20 points by fellow championship phase hopefuls Floriana FC, who came from behind to beat bottom-placed Mosta FC 4-1. Alex Chetcuti put Mosta ahead on 21 minutes, but a second-half double from Nicolo' Baldacchino followed by late Chris Cassar and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza goals gave Floriana hopes of a top six place.

Close race
However, Marsaxlokk FC, on 21 points, and Pietà both have two games left before the league divides, while Floriana have just one - against Valletta - who like Sliema, Birkirkara and Hibernians FC are sure of their top six place.