San Ġiljan Sir Alex’s low-key performance in Sunday’s 12-6 Knock-Out defeat to Sliema Frank Salt Real Estate prompted coach Karl Izzo to offer his resignation.

Coming on the eve of San Ġiljan’s second-round league match against Sliema, news of Izzo’s deci-sion inevitably overshadowed the team’s final preparations yesterday but his resignation was not accepted by club president Daniel Aquilina.

San Ġiljan were expected to summon their committee for an urgent meeting yesterday evening with a view to discussing Izzo’s resignation.

Sources told Times of Malta that, although Izzo was initially adamant that he will not continue as San Ġiljan coach in the wake of the team’s poor showings in the 19-9 rout by Neptunes and Sunday’s loss to Sliema, a unanimous vote of confidence by the club committee may persuade him to reverse his decision.

Surely, San Ġiljan will be hoping that the issue is resolved before this evening’s clash with Sliema which gives the Saints an early oppor-tunity to avenge Sunday’s defeat and put their title campaign back on track.

A few weeks ago, Sliema were in the same situation as their impen-ding opponents following the departure of Sergio Afric but interim coach Peter Decesare looks to have steadied the ship.

On Sunday, the Blues kept alive their hopes of challenging for a major honour this season after booking their place in the semi-finals of the Knock-Out competition at San Ġiljan’s expense.

If last weekend’s clash was do-or-die for either side’s aspirations of winning silverware this season, today’s match is equally crucial if they are to step up their chase of runaway leaders and title favourites Neptunes Emirates.

At present, San Ġiljan are three points adrift of Neptunes with Sliema a further three points back after all teams have played four games. Failure to take maximum spoils from today’s match would all but end Sliema’s title hopes.

The Blues will again rely on the scoring prowess of veteran John Soler, scorer of four goals against the Saints on Sunday.

For their part, San Ġiljan cannot afford a third successive defeat in the space of a week.

Neptunes, who ended the first round with a maximum 12 points, are expected to strengthen their grip on top spot when they face bottom-placed Exiles tomorrow.

The Reds, dominant in their opening four games, look too strong for the Sliema-based outfit who will be aiming to produce a bold performance in order to lift their morale after failing to gain a point from their first four matches.

Both Neptunes and Exiles were inactive last weekend.

Fixtures

Today: Division One: 18.00 Marsascala vs Valletta. Premier Division: 19.15 San Ġiljan vs Sliema.

Tomorrow: Division One 18.00 Otters vs Ta’ Xbiex. Premier Division 19.15 Neptunes vs Exiles.