Leaders Hamrun Spartans extended their unbeaten record but dropped their first points as they were held in a goalless draw by Birkirkara in a top-of-the-table clash at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The Spartans, therefore, retain a two-point lead over the Stripes for whom this was the second successive draw following the draw with Gudja United last week.
Birkirkara welcomed back Osvaldo Iorio and had Ghanian midfielder Simon Zibo making his debut with Paul Mbong and Ryan Scicluna starting the game on the bench. Hamrun, on the other hand, had Elvis Mashike replacing Luke Montebello.
The Spartans went close to taking the lead after ten minutes when Jonny advanced on the left and squared low for Elvis Mashike but the latter’s effort was cleared off the goal line by Cain Attard. Eight minutes later, Camenzuli hit the upright with a powerful drive from outside the area. Osvaldo Iorio went close for the Stripes with a a first time effort following a freekick by Tulimieri and a short clearance by Marcelina. Six minutes from the end of the first half, Matthew Guillaumier missed a good opportunity hitting wide from close range following a a great run.
Three minutes in the second half, Enzo Cabrera, served by Alex da Paixao, controlled the ball badly and Bonello saved and three minutes from time, Cain Attard almost notched the winner but just failed to connect off an inviting corner by Paul Mbong.