The top clash between Valletta and Sliema Wanderers stole most of the limelight last weekend as the two title contenders fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw that kept the sizeable crowd at the National Stadium on their toes till the very end.

The rivalry between these two clubs is slowly increasing in intensity as the season progresses and is set to step up by a few further notches in the coming weeks when the teams enter the straight for home with the league title in sight.

A few rungs below and another thrilling fight is in the prospect as Hibernians, Hamrun Spartans and Birkirkara chase two coveted berths in the Championship Pool.

At the moment, fifth-place Hibernians are enjoying a one-point advantage over the other two, albeit they have played a game more.

For Birkirkara, Saturday's draw against Msida St Joseph reserved little cause for celebration as they are in danger of playing in the Relegation Pool for the first time.

The only bright note from that match for the Stripes was the return of former club skipper Antoine Zahra.

The 30-year-old ended a two-year spell on the sidelines due to a string of knee injuries after coming on as a second-half substitute for midfielder Alan Tabone.

"I'm absolutely relieved to be finally back on the field of play," Zahra told The Times yesterday.

"It has been a long road back for me. I had two knee operations in Belgium and there were several setbacks during rehabilitation.

"But now I'm feeling fine and hopefully I can look forward to spend the next few years of my career free of injury and continue doing what I love most... playing football."

For Zahra, who was capped 46 times by Malta, this was the second time that he was forced to sit out for a lengthy spell to nurse a long-term injury.

He admitted that there were times when he seriously pondered retirement.

"This was the second time in my career that I had suffered a cruciate knee injury. It was already difficult to complete my first rehabilitation period let alone the second," Zahra remarked.

"I spent several months training on my own and it is in this period that you feel most vulnerable.

"When things aren't going your way it's inevitable that you start questioning whether it is worth it or not. But I have always been a stubborn guy and thanks to the support of my family and the club I managed to come back and now I'm enjoying every moment of it."

Zahra's return could not have come at a better time for the Stripes who are facing three crucial matches that will decide their fate for the rest of the league campaign.

After the one-week break due to the national team's commitments in the International Tournament, Birkirkara have a direct clash against Hamrun Spartans and Zahra admitted that at this stage the Stripes cannot afford any further slip-ups.

"Saturday's draw against Msida has put us in a very delicate situation," Zahra said.

"We are embroiled in a three-way tussle for the remaining two berths in the Championship Pool and we have three very difficult matches coming up, against Hamrun, Valletta and Floriana. At this stage, there is no room for calculations... we must beat Hamrun first or else we're in trouble.

"I believe we have enough quality to make the Championship Pool. Throughout the campaign the team has proved time and again that we can mix it with the top teams. Unfortunately, we were not consistent enough. But, we have to regroup and give our all in the last three matches... I'm confident we can do it."

Zahra is still one of the most experienced players in John Buttigieg's group. This season the club has taken an ambitious step to refresh the squad with the inclusion of some talented youngsters and Zahra, who has come through the club nursery himself, urged for patience.

"At Birkirkara we are in a transitional period," Zahra remarked.

"This season, the club invested heavily on young players. They've shown they have the talent to succeed. Still, the team needs time to gain that kind of experience to develop into a strong outfit.

"I know our fans could be disappointed to see the team in this position. But they must stay behind us as this team can make inroads.

"Along with Michael Galea and George Mallia, I am one of the veterans in the group. Hopefully, in the coming months I will avoid injury and help the team reach a level of maturity that will turn Birkirkara into strong candidates for the honours."