Tarxien 0 Birkirkara 0
Tarxien and Birkirkara fought out a gritty goalless draw at Ta’ Qali.
Trailing Tarxien by two points for the runner-up spot, the Stripes laid a siege on the Rainbows defence but had to settle for a draw as they failed to break down their opponents.
In a game of few clear-cut chances, Nikola Vukanac’s effort was cleared off the line and Ibrahim Babatunde had the rebound shot blocked as Birkirkara pushed for a much-needed win in the second half.
Birkirkara knew they could not afford to slip up if they were to maintain a serious title challenge, and they started with real attacking intent. Tarxien keeper David Cassar was in action in the 15th minute, plunging to save from Babatunde’s free-kick with Angus Buhagiar just failing to apply a crucial touch from the rebound. But the Tarxien keeper went over Buhagiar’s ankle while competing for the ball and the defender limped off.
On the other side, Michael Fraser, the Birkirkara goalkeeper was at his best to push Sergio Pacheco’s free-kick over the bar after 24 minutes.
In the 36th minute, Fenech stormed down the right flank and delivered a great ball which was allowed to go all the way across the box to Lattes to Cassar with a shot on the turn.
Birkirkara were lucky to survive a scramble as half-time approach with a slick exchange between Cristiano and Sergio almost created an opening for Tanti but Agius intervened just in time to prevent the nippy midfielder from taking a clean shot.
The Rainbows were more than holding their own as they ended the half in the ascendancy. The Stripes were struggling to make and impact but Bajada raised a subdued Birkirkara’s spirits with a low shot that flew centimetres wide.
Birkirkara continued to look more dangerous and they squandered the best chance of the afternoon after 65 minutes when Vukanac’s low shot was cleared off the line by Vella Critien, the ball feet at the feet of Babatunde who spun and fired goalwards from close range, only to see the Rainbows defender lying down to block his attempt.
The Champions pressed for the winner with Bajada at the heart of their best play and the midfielder was unlucky to see his goal-bound free-kick bravely blocked by Cassar after 79 minutes.
In desperate attempt to get three points, Zammit sent in Rodolfo Kumbrevicius as the Stripes were asked to play long ball on the towering striker.
Although he proved handful for the Rainbows, no further chances were created and the match ended with Birkirkara looking less than satisfied with the point which did little to satisfy their aspirations.