PEMBROKE ATHLETA 0; BALZAN 0

Balzan were desperate to reassert their challenge for the championship after two defeats on the trot had enabled their rivals to gain more ground on them.

A match against Pembroke was universally viewed as a fitting occasion for Oliver Spiteri’s troops to highlight their credentials. The Reds only succeeded in arresting their losing run but could not go beyond a goalless stalemate against fired up, Pembroke side, to remain fifth.

After the break, Balzan had a hatful of chances to break the deadlock with Nigerian forward Godwin Mensha squandering some glorious opportunities.

In fact, after 74 minutes, Mensha fluffed a fine opportunity to put his team ahead but Effiong’s right-footed caught him by surprise at the far post.

And the Nigerian striker was out of luck again two minutes later, sending a header wide from Justin Grioli’s delivery as his confidence seemed badly affected.

That lack of self belief was most evident nine minutes from time when Mensha squandered another good opportunity after being set up by Micallef.

Six minutes from time. Mensha sent a teasing cross but the towering striker failed to connect with the ball.

At death, Mensha managed to swerve the ball past Pembroke’s defence but his effort struck the base of the far post.