Leaders Qormi look to prolong 'fairytale' run

Qormi have the chance to extend their stay at the top of the Premier League standings by at least another week this evening when they face lowly Dingli Swallows at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

The Yellows are currently experiencing a fairytale run in the Premier League as Sunday's 2-0 win over close neighbours Ħamrun Spartans, coupled with Valletta's partial slip-up in the 2-2 draw with Tarxien Rainbows and Hibs' 3-2 upset to Floriana, left Jesmond Zerafa's team two points clear at the top of the standings.

Today, Qormi face a Dingli side still smarting from a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Msida St Joseph on Saturday that left them anchored in bottom place with only three points from seven matches.

Zerafa has been focusing most of his energies in trying to calm down the euphoria that inevitably gripped the clubs' fans and has warned his players to approach their next game with caution or risk a nasty surprise.

"Nobody expected Qormi to be on top of the league this season. However, despite our position, Qormi's goal is still to qualify for the Championship Pool," Zerafa, who has no injury worries, said.

"However, we should never underestimate our opponents and in my opinion Dingli could be a very dangerous side. I've told the lads that we must approach this match with the right attitude."

Jesmond Zammit, the Dingli coach, was disappointed with his team's collapse against Msida last weekend but is expecting a strong response from his players.

"That defeat to Msida was hard to fathom," he said.

"We had enough chances to close the match in the first half but our profligacy in front of goals cost us dearly and we ended up with a very costly defeat. The players were very disappointed in the dressing room but they will be eager to bounce back against Qormi and I'm confident that we can give the leaders a good run for their money."

Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva is set to miss out with hamstring trouble while Roderick Spiteri must serve a one-match ban.

Playing today

Victor Tedesco Stadium: 19.30 - Dingli Swallows vs Qormi.