The first top-flight derby between Qormi and Zebbug Rangers in more than three decades ended all square after the two rivals drew 1-1.
In a match high on intensity but short of scoring chances, it was Zebbug who took the lead through a Carlo Monti penalty but Qoermi levelled through Ryan Micalled to extend their unbeaten run to four games.
Qormi did the early running but they rarely threatened the Zebbug rearguard.
On 14 minutes, Zebbug striker Maurico Britto brushed off Mauricio Mazzetti to run into the box but Albert Bruce slid in to deflect the ball away for a corner. Moments later, Jacob Borg's cross was met by Britto but his header was saved by Matthew Farrugia.
Qormi's Anderson then went close with an angled strike that ended just wide of the far post.
Qormi produced an even better chance midway into the first half when Joseph Chetcuti, darting into the penalty area from the left, squared to Micallef but the latter's effort hit the side-netting.
Late in the first half, Zebbug's counter-attacking strategy yielded two opportunities.
With five minutes remaining, Zebbug had a good chance to take the lead. After clearing another Qormi corner, the loose ball fell to Bartolo who delivered a long ball to Carlo Monti. The Scottish forward held off Albert Bruce only to fire wide from inside he box,
Greco's men were now finding more space on the counter by playing vertical balls over the top of Qorm's defence.
Britto then rifled high and wide after running on to Monti's long ball.
Qormi's Micallef ran himself into a shooting position after cutting in from the right but his drive was saved by Felipe Rapchan Dos Santos Morales, Zebbug's Brazilian goalkeeper.
It was Zebbug who took the lead on the hour. They were awarded a penalty after Mauricio Mazzetti was adjudged to have brought down Monti inside the box. Monti made no mistake from the spot.
The penalty decision enraged the Qormi fans. Their disappointment grew when Bjorn Bondin, who had come on for the injured Chetcuti, hit the base of the post after Morales had beaten away Anderson's attempt.
Qormi did equalise 19 minutes from time thanks to Micallef who beat Morales from close range after Mazzetti's free-kick was deflected into his path.
Qormi dictated matters for the remainder of the game but were unable to find a winner.
Micallef came closes but his close-range attempt flashed wide after the Malta U-21 striker received from Effiong.
Monti, the Zebbug midfielder, was named BOV player of the match.