Valletta and Sliema Wanderers shared the spoils in a goalless draw at the Hibernians Stadium.
A draw which failed to satisfy either side as both were eager to collect the three points after disappointing in recent outings.
The Wanderers are now alone in fourth place but lie three points behind Gzira and seven behind Hibernians. Valletta, on the other hand, continue to share ninth place with Gudja, one point behind Sirens and one ahead of Zejtun.
Early in the first half, Henry Bonello turned into a corner a fine Juri Cisotti effort and on the 37th minute, Kurt Shaw cleared off the goal line a Wellington de Oliveira header.
Twelve minutes in the second half, Henry Bonello performed a great save on an Alex Satariano header and five minutes later, a Michele Sansone goal-bound effort was cleared into a corner by Zerafa.
Deep into added time, Kyrian Nwoko almost put Valletta ahead but Jake Galea neutralised his fine lob from outside the area.
VALLETTA Henry Bonello, Jonathan Caruana (Santiago Malano 16’), Ryan Camilleri, Triston Camilleri, Joseph Zerafa, Wellington de Oliveira (Shaun Dimech 74’), Rowen Muscat, Leandro Aguirre, Miguel Angel Alba (Matteo Piciollo 32’), Mario Fontanella, Lucas da Silva Ribeiro Campos (Kyrian Nwoko 74’).
Subs not used: Yenz Cini, Deacon Abela, Ryan Fenech.
Coach: Antonio Jose Cardoso MendesSLIEMA Jake Galea, Michele Sansone (Riki Kakinuma 75’), Alexander Satariano, Kurt Shaw, Alessandro Milesi, Juri Cisotti, Edmond Agius, Danny Holla (Gabriel Aquilina 65’), Ruslan Kisil, Myles Beerman, Dejan Vukovic.
Subs not used: Russell Dimech, Jake Engerer, Sebastian Grech, Arthur Cunha, Nuno Jorge Barbosa Malheiro
Coach: Andrea PisanuReferee: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, Roberto Vella
Fourth Official: Darryl Agius
Yellow Cards: D. Holla, A. Milesi, M. Sansone, M. Fontanella
BOV Player of the Match: Joseph Zerafa
