Off to decisive final four race
Tight contest in Division Two
The final four stage of the national league gets underway today after the end of the preliminary round last week. During this crucial phase, none of the 'big guns' can afford to drop points with Winter League champions Neptunes looking to maintain their unbeaten run this summer.
The Division Two championship sees early pacesetters San Giljan, joint-leaders with Exiles, favourites to extend their positive sequence at the expense of lowly Otters.
Tomorrow, Exiles should equally keep the pace with the Saints by beating modest Valletta but the Ta' Xbiex-Marsaxlokk clash should be a balanced match. Both are two points behind San Giljan and Exiles.
Neptunes relinquished their first point against Sirens last week in a thrilling 5-5 draw. Today, they face Marsascala, the latter hoping to lift their hopes after three consecutive upsets in direct encounters.
This week, Pierre Borg, the Marsascala coach, was appointed to take charge of the national team. His club will be in search of immediate points to avoid dropping out of the title race so early.
In the preliminary round, Marsascala had troubled Neptunes, losing narrowly 8-7.
In the other Division One match tomorrow, champions Sliema face third-placed Sirens. Two weeks ago, the Blues prevailed over the St Paul's Bay team with John Soler scoring the decisive goal, 14 seconds from time in a 3-2 win.
Sliema, second in the standings one point behind Neptunes, will have to be wary of the Sirens threat as the latter, apart from revenge, will seek to bounce back in contention after drawing their last match.
(Today) 5.30 p.m. San Giljan vs Otters; 6.30 p.m. Neptunes vs Marsascala.
(Tomorrow) 4.30 p.m. Exiles vs Valletta; 5.30 p.m. Ta' Xbiex vs Marsaxlokk; 6.30 p.m. Sliema vs Sirens.