Hamrun Spartans were held in a 1-1 draw by Naxxar Lions in a match from the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Sunday.
The Spartans, who were coming from a defeat to Sliema Wanderers in their previous league outing, are now alone in third place on 16 points, one ahead of Sliema Wanderers, two ahead of Hibernians and Marsaxlokk and three ahead of Birkirkara. Therefore with two matches to go for the end of the league phase, these five teams along with Gzira United, who are currently eighth, will be fighting for the remaining four places in the Top 6 along with Floriana and Valletta.
Naxxar Lions, on the other hand, joined Mosta and Tarxien Rainbows on five points, two behind Zabbar and four behind Gzira.
Saliou Thioune put the Spartans ahead on 14 minutes but Edward Bolanos levelled matters on 18 minutes.