Mqabba 1
Lija 1

Quality fare did not feature very high on the agenda yesterday as Mqabba and Lija crossed swords in the hope of bagging much needed points. In the end both sides had to settle for a point, which in the circumstances did not help their cause.

Except for a couple of chances carved by Lija, the opening half offered little. Exchanges picked up in the second part of the game.

The quiet uneventful exchanges dragged on interminably, broken only by a spasmodic flurry which promised an opening but fizzled out near the edge of the penalty areas.

Chibueze was flanked by Jean Paul Muscat to form Mqabba's striking tandem, with Glenn Barry and Michael Valenzia making up Lija's attacking duo. However, the right balls rarely came these attackers' way. Not even set-pieces could generate any spark although a Josef Mifsud header for Lija looped just beyond the target.

Lija looked more workmanlike and again went near this time through Giles Lanzon whose first-timer was deflected to a corner.

A free-kick from Silvio Sciberras for Mqabba, soon after the restart, called Kris Calleja into a tipping save. Almost on the hour a low cross from the left ended in the path of Muscat who hit past the diving Calleja.

Lija's reaction had heart but little rationality behind it. However, they drew level with almost 15 minutes to go. An approximate clearance from Mqabba on a free-kick from the right had Valenzia driving past a ruck of blue-shirted players from 20 metres.

Lija kept up some sort of attacking momentum, even if Mqabba did not relinquish any possibility to strike.

At the end both teams were satisfied to share the spoils.

Mqabba: R. Cini, S. Callus (M. Briffa), D. Micallef, E. Borg, L. Grech, M. Gauci, M. Cocks, E. Spiteri, S. Sciberras, J.P. Muscat, I. Chibueze.

Lija: K. Calleja, E. Azzopardi, N. Gatt, A. Muscat, G. Lanzon, M. Valenzia, J.P. Desira, A. Ellul (R. Mifsud), G. Barry, A. Decesare, J. Mifsud.

Referee: Charlie Agius.