Xewkija Tigers came from behind to beat SK Victoria Wanderers 4-3, making sure their title-winning party will not be spoiled on the very last day of the GFA Division One championship.
Very few had imagined Xewkija would end up winning the league this season following a rather stuttering start where they were also eliminated from the KO competition.
However, the signing of former Valletta and Malta captain Gilbert Agius in November, along with the transfers of Camilleri brothers John and Chris during the January transfer window, saw the team reaching new levels.
In Dene Shields, Xewkija had an extra trump card up their sleeves this season.
The Scottish striker hit top form at the right moment for the new champions and deservedly won the top scorers award for a second consecutive season with 18 goals.
Overall, the final standings show that Raymond Vella’s Xewkija were superior in all aspects over their opponents.
They conceded just one defeat from 20 matches and had the best defensive department and the best record in attack.
The Wanderers opened the score early on through Daniel Bogdanovic but Xewkija staged a strong reaction and levelled matters through John Camilleri on 14 minutes.
However, just before half-time Bogdanovic surprised the Xewkija keeper with a fine strike from outside the area to put his side back in the lead.
The Tigers were stunned and the Wanderers increased their lead soon after the restart following an own goal committed by Manwel Xerri.
Xewkija, encouraged by their numerous supporters on the stands for the occasion, regrouped and surged forward in attack in an attempt to avoid defeat on celebration day.
Chris Camilleri reduced the score on 59 minutes with a first timer following a cross by Agius and Shields scored the equaliser soon after with a crisp grounder.
Xewkija scored the winner on 81 minutes through a John Camilleri header after a first attempt by Shields had been repelled by the Wanderers defence.
At the end of the match, GFA president Alvin Grech and general secretary Joe Bajada presented trophies to the new champions.
Meanwhile, Nadur Youngsters and Victoria Hotspurs rounded up their championship calendar with a point each after a 3-3 draw.
In the Relegation Pool, the already-doomed Xagħra United beat Munxar Falcons 4-1.
The goals for the Blues came from Sunday Baala (2) and Victor John Saliba (2). Roderick Spiteri pulled one back for the Falcons.