Pietà Hotspur and Naxxar Lions cancelled each other in a goalless draw at the Hibs Stadium.

The Hotspurs enjoyed much of the initiative and on 15 minutes they were awarded a corner kick from which Christian Grech’s firm header was cleared away by Ryan Cassar.

Claudio Frances almost surprised Pecorella two minutes later but the Argentine’s cross-shot was palmed away by the Naxxar goalkeeper.

Naxxar gradually came more into the picture and on 27 minutes they were awarded a corner kick from which Gilmar’s cross was met by Ibok Edet but the ball skimmed the upright.

Two minutes later Gilmar hit a firm shot from outside the area but David Cassar did well to turn to a corner.

On 55 minutes, Pecorella had to dive to his right to push away Gabriel’s low drive.

At the other end, Gilmar released Jorge who outmuscled his marker but his rising shot finished over.

The Brazilian was at it again 10 minutes later and this time Cassar could only deviated just past the upright.

Naxxar were now holding the initiative and 17 minutes from time Jorge’s cross was deviated into the path of Daren Falzon but his first-time effort flew over.

The Hotspurs were furious five minutes from time when referee Esther Farrugia denied them what looked like a penalty when Newuche raced to meet Karl Micallef’s pass and the Nigerian looked to have been upended by the onrushing Pecorella but the official waved play on.

More woes followed for Pietà as a minute from time Grech was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Gilmar.

Naxxar’s Brazilian striker Gilmar was voted as the BOV Player of the match.