LEAGUE FOOTBALL RESUMES AFTER YULETUDE BREAK

As is the case in many other countries football goes in pause mode during the Yuletude period, only to be re-ignited at the beginning of the New Year.  Football in Malta is on the same wavelength, with the teams in all divisions, including the women’s competitions, having a well-earned rest during the festive days. Bread and butter fare resumes this weekend, with the BOV Premier League taking pride of place. A full programme is scheduled across the whole spectrum of competitions. In the top division the battle resumes for the elite prize of Maltese football, with Hibernians of Paola enjoying a mammoth 15-point lead over the chasing duo of Valletta and Birkirkara. Next are a pack of four teams, Balzan, 22, Floriana, 21, Mosta and Sliema with 20 and 19 points respectively. These teams are followed by Naxxar and Qormi on 17 and Tarxien on 16 points. Pieta (14) and Żebbuġ (9) bring up the rear. With the City team and the Stripes hanging on to close the wide gap on the Paolites, the battle rages in mid-table and at the bottom end. Keen matches are expected as the contestants will do their utmost to increase their points’ tally and thus enhance their positions. The same applies in the 14-team BOV 1st Division where the bid for supremacy is a very close affair. The surprise pack, Pembroke, lead the way on 23 points followed by Gudja, Vittoriosa and St Andrew’s on 22 each, St George’s and Melita on 20. Gzira, 19, Lija, 18. Rabat, 17, Fgura, 16, and Mqabba, 14, are next, with Żebbuġ and Msida on ten points each. Birżebbuġa (3 points) occupy the bottom position. The Premier programme will see Floriana play Naxxar while Valletta face Qormi tomorrow, Saturday. The card on Sunday is Mosta – Valletta, Hibernians – Żebbuġ, Sliema – Pieta and Tarxien – Balzan.  Matches will be played at the National Stadium on Saturday and at the Hibernians Stadium and Victor Tedesco Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled for 14.00 and 16.00 hours respectively.