Rabat Ajax 0
Lija Athletic 0

Rabat and Lija failed to maintain their challenge for the promotion play-off slot following this goalless draw.

Rabat went close first as midfielder David Azzopardi hit a scorcher but his shot took a deflection with keeper Luke Bonnici also effecting a fine save.

Lija responded four minutes later when from a corner Ige’s effort was stopped by Azzopardi. From the rebound, Adrian Caruana’s header was cleared off the line by Sean Abela.

Both sides continued to run and fight for each ball and on 39 minutes a Lee Joe Schembri effort from 30 metres out was saved by Azzopardi in the Rabat goal.

At the other end, Brandon Micallef released Wayne Borg inside the Lija box but Clayton Giordemaina was on the right spot to avert danger.

On the stroke of half-time, Lija’s Ige found space but his following shot flew just wide.

Rabat had the first scoring opportunity as the second half got underway but a Chiedozie header never troubled keeper Bonnici.

A Garcia Vidal effort from 30 metres just missed the Rabat goal.

As the minutes ticked by both teams ran out of ideas with the two sets of defences closing all avenues to their goal for the stalemate to remain unlocked.

Rabat: J. Azzopardi, S. Abela, J. Caruana, W. Borg, B. Micallef, D. Falzon, L. Chiedozie (C. Vella), E. Scicluna, A. Azzopardi (A. Smeir), D. Azzopardi, Z. Tanti.

Lija: L. Bonnici, C. Giordemaina, P. Babic, P. Borg, R. Taliana (K. Cutajar), J. Garcia Vidal (E. Beu), M. Clinch, A. Caruana, A. Borg, L.J. Schembri (B. Antignolo), A. Ige.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit.

Player of the match: David Azzopardi (Rabat Ajax).