After the shock defeat to San Ġiljan Sir Alex in last weekend’s top-of-the-table clash, Neptunes Emi-rates, who had dominated the National League with seven successive wins, will be back in action this evening with all guns blazing and very much likely to return to winning ways at the expense of lowly Exiles Ferretti.

So superior were the Reds in their previous outings prior to their first downfall, that no-one was betting a cent against them this summer even though underesti-mating the San Ġiljan threat and, perhaps, an air of over-confidence were not the ideal prerequisites for an almost decisive encounter like the one of Saturday.

Champions for the past three years, Neptunes had steadily built an aura of invincibility in this competition as they chalked up impressive victories with high-scoring margins including the first-round clash against the Saints which Sergey Markoch’s team comprehensively won 19-9.

Another three-pointer over their Balluta Bay rivals would have probably spelt finis to the championship race but San Ġiljan had other ideas in mind as coach Sergio Afric led his defiant men to a nail-biting 14-13 victory over the Reds.

The two contenders are now level at the top of the standings with 21 points each and a full-round to go.

This will be an exclusive two-horse race as the other dominant force in the local game, Sliema Frank Salt Real Estate, are lagging nine points behind in third place.

Neptunes should overcome their next hurdle and beat Exiles today but San Ġiljan have a more difficult task awaiting them tomorrow as they play cup finalists Sliema.

The Blues have blown hot and cold this summer and lost half of their matches in the champion-ship so far.

However, the KO competition presents their only way for silverware and after eliminating the Saints from the tournament they will be looking to boost their confidence levels and keep in shape ahead of the cup showdown with Neptunes on August 20.

Also, San Ġiljan, who last won the title in 1995, should expect no favours from Sliema when they take to the water tomorrow as the two direct clashes in the league this season amply testify.

In fact, on both occasions the Saints prevailed with a narrow single-goal gap following similar final scorelines of 11-10 in their favour.

Meanwhile, Valletta United should continue with their stride at the top of the Division One standings by beating bottom-placed Marsaxlokk in the opening match in programme today.

Victory for the City team would mean a nine-point advantage at the top albeit with a match more than second-placed Marsascala Mor€ who play Ta’ Xbiex Amigos tomorrow.

Fixtures
Today: 6pm Marsaxlokk vs Valletta; 7.15pm Exiles vs Neptunes.
Tomorrow: 6pm Marsascala vs Ta’ Xbiex; 7.15pm Sliema vs San Ġiljan.

Premier League

Division One