Tarxien have destiny in their own hands

With only two rounds to the end of the first phase of the 2009/10 Premier League, the race for the rem-aining berths in the Championship Pool has entered a decisive stage.

So far, four teams - Valletta, Birkirkara, Qormi and Hibernians - are already sure of their place among the top six while fifth-placed Sliema Wanderers need only one point from their remaining matches against Floriana and Hibernians to make the cut.

That leaves Tarxien Rainbows, Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana fighting for the remaining spot available. At present, only two points separate these three teams.

Sitting in sixth place, two points ahead of their rivals, Tarxien have suddenly become the likely candidates to avoid the dreaded Relegation Pool. The Rainbows, unbeaten in their last three matches, could even sew up their place this weekend if results go their way.

On Saturday, Noel Coleiro's team are up against Hibernians and victory over the champions, coupled with setbacks for both Ħamrun and Floriana (vs Valletta and Sliema respectively), would seal their status in the top flight for another year.

Failure to achieve that, the verdict would be extended to the last round of matches when Tarxien face a potentially decisive clash against the Spartans while Floriana take on Msida St Joseph, who along with Dingli Swallows, are already sure of playing in the Relegation Pool.

Given Tarxien's fine displays of late, that saw them carve a 2-0 win over Qormi and then holding leaders Valletta to a 2-2 draw, few would bet against the Rainbows in reaching 'the promised land'.

Coach Coleiro hailed the team's battling qualities in recent weeks and admitted that following the weekend results, destiny was now in their own hands.

"Things are looking good for us," Coleiro replied when asked on his team's chances of making the Championship Pool.

"Leading our direct rivals by two points at this stage puts us in a very strong position. Making the Championship Pool or not depends solely on how we perform in the last two matches.

"We played really well lately, showing commendable fighting qualities, particularly against Valletta on Sunday. However, all that will come to nothing if we approach our next matches over confidently.

We need to stay focused and if we can reach the same level of performance shown against Qormi and Valletta I'm convinced we'll play in the Championsihip Pool."

Ħamrun saw their aspirations severely dented on Monday when they squandered a 1-0 half-time lead to go down to rivals Qormi 2-1 at the Tedesco Stadium.

The Spartans, who went into that match on the back of successive victories over Sliema and Msida, squandered several scoring chances against Qormi that would have earned the side at least a valuable point.

Despite the upset, coach Stephen D'Amato was still in upbeat mood.

"Obviously, we were utterly disappointed to lose Monday's match but we still have a chance of making the top six. Now we have Valletta coming up. In the first round it was close so, hopefully, we'll be able to pick some points even though they're the team to beat at the moment," he said.

"In my opinion, the sixth team in the Championship Pool will only be known after the final round of matches.

"Now, we can't do nothing more than give our all in the next two matches and see what happens."

Floriana are the other team involved and although few are talking about their chances, the Greens could well be the dark horses in this three-pronged tussle for sixth place.

Coach Zoran Popovic, however, is calm but knows his team is facing a tall order to leapfrog Ħamrun and Tarxien in the standings.

"It's going to be very difficult," the Serbian coach said.

"For me, Tarxien are the favourites. They have a very solid team and proved that with their performance against Valletta. But that doesn't mean Floriana have given up hope.

"On Saturday, we play Sliema and we are going all out for the three points. Lately, we have been hampered by a few injuries and on Monday we also lost Owen Bugeja with knee trouble. But we have to soldier on and against Sliema the players will have to show the character needed to get the victory."