Naxxar Lions and Balzan earned a point each as they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Centenary Stadium on Friday.
A draw which suits neither side as Naxxar are now one point behind sixth-placed Hibernians and one ahead of Gzira United with Balzan joining Mosta in ninth place, one point ahead of Santa Lucia.
Balzan had Ivan Bozovic sent off on the 16th minute for hitting an opponent.
Five minutes later, Naxxar took the lead courtesy of Edson Cerqueira Farias who headed the ball home off a Pace Cocks freekick.
Substitute Aleksandar Katanic equalised on the 70th minute, hitting home from close range off a cross from the left.
Naxxar had Elizeu Espirito Santo Da Conceicao sent off eight minutes from time.