Jake Grech struck late to rescue a point for Hibernians in a 1-1 draw with Marsaxlokk at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday.
The Paolites, therefore, missed out on the opportunity of moving in second place and now share third place with Gudja United and Birkirkara. Marsaxlokk, on the other hand, registered a fifth consecutive positive result and now share the eighth place with Floriana on 12 points, two behind Balzan and Mosta.
Following a goalless first half, Marsaxlokk took the lead on the 76th minute when off a cross by Tiago Fonseca, substitute Santiago Fabian Moracci rounded a defender before hitting low past goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone.
Hibs levelled matters one minute from time when off an assist by Gabriel Mensah, Jake Grech managed to beat goalkeeper Marko Drobnjak with a shot from outside the area which ended in the top left corner.
The Paolites were reduced to ten men on the 90th as Dunstan Vella was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.