During their long winless run, stretching 21 games, Rabat Ajax looked doomed but back-to-back victories have not only resurrected their survival hopes, they have galvanised their belief that they can defy expectations by avoiding the drop.
Rabat, like their fellow strugglers, still face a tall order to allay their relegation fears but a win over the misfiring Ħamrun Spartans this evening would represent a massive boost.
Having climbed out of the danger zone for the first time this season after last week’s come-from-behind 2-1 defeat of Qormi, Rabat would open a four-point gap on the Spartans if they extend their winning run.
On the back of their improved results, Rabat are seen as having a psychological edge over a Spartans side who have won only one game, coincidentally against their impending opponents, in their last 14 outings.
Silvio Vella, the Rabat Ajax coach, is pleased with his team’s resurgence of late.
“The Relegation Pool is another 10-match league,” Vella told The Times. “Even when the results were not coming, we continued to believe and our efforts paid off in the last two games.
“We finished the first phase with a win and started the Relegation Pool in the same vein but the most important thing is that our performance level has improved as well.”
Under pressure after slipping to second from bottom, the Spartans must stop the rot as quickly as possible if they are to keep their salvation hopes alive.
Not that Vella is reading much into Ħamrun’s dismal record.
“We mustn’t forget that in 22 matches, we only won one game,” Vella said. “In difficult times, you have to try and remain positive and keep the players motivated.
“Ħamrun are going through a barren spell but this can make things worse for us as they will be determined to rise to the occasion. Besides possessing some quality players, Ħamrun have got more experience than us at this level.
“There are nine games left and 27 points at stake, so it’s still all to play for.”
Rabat are expected to be without Dylan Falzon (hamstring) and Yan Cauchi (ankle).
For Ħamrun coach Stefan Sultana, today’s clash is a veritable six-pointer for his team who began their Relegation Pool com-mitments with a 3-1 upset to Balzan.
“It’s a direct confrontation, a six-pointer,” Sultana said. “The players have looked really focused in training as everyone is determined to turn the situation around.”
Sultana concedes that Rabat will take to the field with a positive mindset after winning their last two games.
“Rabat have gained two wins in a row after a long wait,” Sultana said. “It will be another difficult match for us because they are on a high whereas our morale is low.”
Captain Roderick Fenech is out for the Spartans after receiving a one-match ban for his red card against Balzan while Daniel Zerafa is sidelined with a back problem.
On the positive side, veteran Massimo Grima returns for the Spartans after seeing out his one-match ban.
The Spartans coach believes that a win today could be a turning point for his team.
“A win for us would be very important,” Sultana said. “It could be a turning point as it would reverse the negative trend besides lifting us two points above Rabat.”
After their first meeting this season ended one-all, Ħamrun beat Rabat 3-1 in the second round courtesy of a Loic Lumbilla hat-trick.
In today’s opening game, Qormi will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Rabat when they meet Melita.
Jonathan Bondin is suspended for Qormi but otherwise, coach Jesmond Zerafa has a full squad at his disposal.
Melita desperately need to collect maximum points this evening if they are to revive their flailing survival bid.
Coach Patxi Salinas, who is still serving a touchline ban, must cope without Andrew Caruana Scicluna and Matthew Borg, both out with a one-match ban, but Karl Vella Petroni returns from suspension.
Melita won the first-round game 3-2 but Qormi prevailed 2-1 in the second meeting.
Programme
Today (Tedesco Stadium 6pm): Qormi vs Melita; 8.15pm Rabat Ajax vs Ħamrun Spartans.
Tomorrow (National Stadium 2pm): Birkirkara vs Hibernians; 4pm Valletta vs Sliema Wanderers.
Sunday (Hibs Stadium 2pm): Floriana vs Balzan; 4pm Mosta vs Tarxien Rainbows.
BOV Division One
Today (Centenary Stadium 6pm): Dingli Swallows vs St Andrew’s; 8pm Żejtun Corinthians vs Gudja United.