Leaders Mosta were unable to chalk up their fourth successive victory in the BOV Division One earlier this week as they were held to a draw by Hibernians at the Charles Abela Stadium.
However, second-placed Bir-kirkara failed to profit as they had to fight hard for a 3-3 draw against a plucky Gozitan team.
In another match, bottom teams Tarxien Rainbows and Ħamrun Spartans were finally off the mark after taking a point each from a scoreless draw.
Mosta were looking to con-tinue on their winning streak at this early phase of the season.
But Hibernians had other ideas and produced a determined display to return home with a point in their bags to make up for their upset to Birkirkara the week before.
Nicole Buttigieg opened the score for Mosta on 32 minutes.
But Ylenia Carabott drew the two teams level four minutes later when she converted a penalty, awarded for a handling infringe-ment by Yanika Fenech inside the Blues’ box.
The Paolites saw more of the ball in the second half, keeping Mosta keeper Sharon Costantino alert for most of the time.
However, Mosta held tight despite not showing the same kind of play they had produced in their previous matches.
Rachel Cuschieri put Birkirkara ahead at the Sannat ground but Tracy Theuma scored twice and Felicienne Mercieca added another for Gozo to go 3-1 up.
The champions surged forward in attack and drew level with goals from Gabriella Zahra and Martina Cilia.
There were 15 minutes still to play for after Cilia’s goal but the Gozitans made wise use of possession to at least preserve a point.
Line-Ups
Mosta: S. Costantino, R. D’Ago-stino, K. Lia (N. Pace), C. Camilleri, C. Cassia, D. Theuma, N. Butti-gieg, A. Muscat (O. Bedingfield), J. Flask, Y. Fenech (S. Zammit), R. Nolan (A. Abdilla).
Hibs: K. Demicoli, M. Azzopardi, C. Sciberras (R. Vella), R. Cauchi, C. Zammit, D. Tonna, C. Vella White, F. Chircop, R. Borg (K. Saliba), Y. Carabott, R. Steer Cheetman (G. Tonna).
Referee: Clayton Pisani.
Gozo: M. Mumford, A. Said, R. Azzopardi (R. Bajada), M. Zuber, S. Sultana, F. Mercieca, M. Bajada, M. Pace, T. Theuma, E. Xuereb, M. Refalo.
Birkirkara: J. Xuereb, I. Mazzitelli, C. Fenech, Y. Vella, M. Cardona, G. Zahra, M. Cilia, R. Cuschieri, A. Sultana, R. Giusti (S. Buttigieg), D. Debono (C. Schembri).
Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.
Div. One Standings
Mosta (3-1-0) 10; Birkirkara (2-1-1) 7; Gozo FC (2-1-1) 7; Hibernians (2-1-1) 7; Mġarr United (2-0-1) 6; Pembroke Athleta (1-0-2) 3; Tarxien Rainbows (0-1-3) 1; Ħamrun Spartans (0-1-3) 1.