Qormi failed to take full advantage of leaders Naxxar’s defeat to Mqabba as they were held in a 1-1 draw by Marsa in a match from the BOV First Division at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday. For second-placed Qormi, this was the fourth successive draw.

Noah Olawole Ojuola put Qormi on the 10th minute but nine minutes from time, Luis Andre de Melo Lima levelled matters thanks to a penalty.

In another match, Lija Athletic defeated Gharghur 3-0 thanks to a brace by Abubakar Bello Osagie – a goal on the half-hour and a penalty on the 57th minute and a goal by Lee Joe Schembri thirteen minutes from time.

Naxxar lead the way with 35 points, followed by Qormi on 31, Vittoriosa, Lija, Senglea and Mqabba 29, Pietà 25, Sirens 23, Marsa 20, Melita 19, Zebbug 15, Fgura and Rabat 14 and Gharghur 9.