Naxxar Lions converted two late penalties to earn themselves a 3-3 draw against Vittoriosa Stars this afternoon.

It was the Lions who took the lead after 10 minutes when Gilmar’s free-kick hit the Stars defensive wall with the ball spiralling in the air. Rocha Da Silva was the first to react as he directed a fine overhead kick past Vittoriosa goalkeeper Mario Muscat.

The Stars fought back and they drew level nine minutes from half-time. Clive Brincat was first to Oscar Guerrero free-kick and his firm header flew past Naxxar goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi.Vittoriosa took control on the restart and five minutes into the second half Gilbert Martin sped clear on the left before sliding the ball towards Guerrero who kept his cool to hit past Azzopardi.

The Stars added a third goal on 72 minutes when Pereira was sandwiched in between Drago and Reano inside the area and referee Clayton Pisani pointed to the stop.Guerrero stepped up for the kick and placed the ball past Azzopardi.

But Naxxar were not dead yet as five minutes from time goalkeeper Muscat failed to hold onto Jurgen Debono’s cross with Milan Vignjevic seizing possession but was upended by the Stars goalkeeper.

From the resultant penalty, Bellia drilled the ball home to set up a tense finale.

More drama was in store as four minutes from time, Samir Arab was adjudged to have handled the ball inside his area and the referee ordered another penalty.Reano took charge of the kick and sent Muscat the wrong way to make it 3-3.

Vittoriosa striker Oscar Guerrero was voted as the BOV Player of the match.