NAXXAR LIONS-1, QORMI-1

Relegation strugglers Naxxar Lions and Qormi had to settle for a point each after their clash ended one-all.

Qormi had the better chances in a hard-fought game but the Lions produced a defiant performance to salvage a draw that keeps them ahead of their opponents in the standings.

Qormi were slightly the better side in a balanced half but Naxxar Lions came strongly in the latter stages.

Alex Nilsson fired Qormi ahead with a low drive after receiving from Alessio Cassar but Naxxar equalised three minutes before half-time.

Daren Falzon scored for the Lions as his cross-shot, from a free-kick, surprised Qormi goalkeeper Jean Mathias Vella who could only punch the ball into his own net after the ball had soared past a sea of players.

The second half took some time to come to life but the two teams began to create more chances as the minutes wore on.

David Fenech's through-ball fell invitingly to Falzon but the winger miscued his effort.

Qormi replied immediately, Micallef cutting in from the right before hitting a low shot that was fumbled by Azzopardi but the ball rolled past the post.

Carlo Monti, the Qormi midfielder, was unlucky as his grounder came off the far post.

Qormi were playing the better football. Azzopardi thwarted Nilsson when beating away his dangerous effort after another Qormi raid had the Lions rocking.

Lattes broke Qormi's dominance with a dipping volley, following a half-clearance, that sailed high. Fenech, the Naxxar midfielder, also went close with a well-struck shot that was marginally wide.

Nilsson, the Qormi striker, was named BOV player of the match.