Valletta and Balzan earned a point each in a goalless draw at the Centenary Stadium on Friday.
A result which suited neither side as Balzan missed the opportunity to join Gzira United in second place and are now third on 40 points together with Birkirkara but the Maroons and the Stripes have a game in hand. Valletta, on the other hand remain seventh
The Citizens had a Brandon Paiber effort saved by Jonathan Debono on 14 minutes but a minute later, Bogdan Mladenovic hit the woodwork for Balzan.
Attempts by Matheus Souza and Marcus Grima were neutralised by Cain Formosa during the second half.