A slow-burning encounter produced a late flurry of chances but Tarxien and Pieta' failed to capitalise. The wood frame denied both sides in closing stages as this sudden and unexpected number of chances contrasted with the best part of the game where both sides struggled to make an impact in attack.

The moment referee Fyodor Zammit signalled the start of the match, torrential rain swept across the Victor Tedesco stadium, drenching the players for the first half hour of the match.

In the 25th minute, Cleber outwitted his direct marker before smacking a rising shot that was blocked by David Cassar, the Pieta' goalkeeper.

Just past the half hour, Francis embarked on a typically bursting run through the middle channel but his shot-on-the-turn drew a smart save from Sean Mintoff.

Shy the hour mark, Alvaro’s harmless-looking effort from the edge of the area slid through the grasp of Cassar like a slippery bar of soap but the ball finished wide.

After 72 minutes, Pieta' also had a good chance to score as Terence Agius hit a rising drive from the distance finished just over the bar.

Eight minutes later, Xavier Zacarias went even closer when he let loose a fierce shot from the distance but his effort cannoned off the Tarxien crossbar.

On the other side of the pitch, in their next foray, the woodwork also denied the Rainbows as substitute Jorge’s curling shot from just outside the area came off the upright with Cassar beaten.