Leaders Lija Athletic and second-placed St. Andrews once again failed to collect the three points during the weekend after being held in draws.

Lija were held in a 2-2 draw by St. Venera Lightnings on Saturday while on Sunday, St. Andrews were held in a goalless draw by Senglea Athletic. For Lija, this was the second consecutive draw while St. Andrews have now gone five games without a win, losing two and three draws.

The promotion issue is still wide open with Lija leading the way with 42 points, followed by St. Andrews on 40 Gzira 37 and Birzebbuga possibly on 36 points, should they beat Gozo.

The battle to avoid the tenth place, and hence a place in the Third Division Play-Offs, is even more complicated with four points separating five teams.

In fact, following the 2-2 draw between Rabat Ajax and Zebbug Rangers, Zurrieq stay in sixth place on 25, followed by Rabat on 24, Zebbug on 23, Senglea on 22 and St. Venera on 21.

Gharghur are second from bottom on 15 points after beating Mellieha 2-1 on Saturday. Gozo lie at the bottom of the table with 10 points.