Valletta failed to keep the pace with leaders Birkirkara as they were held in a 1-1 draw by Sliema Wanderers in a clash from the Championship Pool. The Stripes now enjoy a three-point lead at the top of the BOV Premier League table.

Sliema, on the other hand, extend their positive run to eight matches without defeat, moving to just one point behind third-placed Hibernians.

Valletta managed to take the lead on the 6th minute when Abdelkarim Nafti beat Henry Bonello with a low powerful shot from outside the area.

The Citizens went close once again on 22 minutes when off a cross by Denni from the right, Mifsud Triganza’s header blocked by John Mintoff aided by the upright.

The Wanderers levelled matters on the 59th when an Admir Vladavic freekick hit the upright and off the rebound, substitute Ivan Woods placed the ball at the back of the net from close range.

Henry Bonello performed a good save on a close-range header by Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza on the 69th. From then onwards, the two teams shared the exchanges to take home a point each.

VALLETTA Nukri Revishvili, Jonathan Caruana, Steve Borg, Ryan Fenech, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (82′ Luke Montebello), Roderick Briffa, Hamza Barry (72′ Edmond Agius), Shaun Bajada, Denni Rocha dos Santos, Irakli Maisuradze, Abdelkarim Nafti.
Subs not used: Yenz Cini, Ian Azzopardi, Aziz Corr Nyang, Llywelyn Cremona, Luke Dimech.
Coach: Andre Paus

SLIEMA Henry Bonello, Alex Muscat, John Mintoff, Mark Scerri, Stanley Ohawuchi, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (56′ Kane Farrugia), Trevor Cilia (46′ Ivan Woods), Paltemio Barbetti, Matias Muchardi, Stefano Bianciardi, Admir Vladavic.
Subs not used: Glenn Zammit, Jacob Borg, Axl Xuereb, Alex Podda, Beppe Muscat.
Coach: Alfonso Greco

Referee: Chris Lautier
Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Thomas Debono
Additional Assistant Referees: Clayton Pisani, Malcolm Spiteri
Fourth Official: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Yellow Cards: Barbetti, Bajada, Fenech
Scorers: 6′ Abdelkarim Nafti (V); 59′ Ivan Woods (S)
BOV Player of the Match: Admir Vladavic
Attendance: 1,592