Sliema Wanderers and Naxxar Lions cancelled each other in a goalless draw, at the Tedesco Stadium.

It was a disappointing outcome for the Wanderers who failed to make the most of playing for more than hour with a player more following the first-half dismissal of Pablo Doffo.

The Blues made the better start and on nine minutes Djumo Bocar’s shot was pushed away by goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi and from the rebound Mark Scerri was anticipated by Albert Bruce as he was about to head the ball into an empty net.

On 28 minutes, Naxxar were reduced to ten men when Doffo was dismissed with a second bookable offence.

Nine minutes from the break, Gilmar came close when from a central free-kick his curling drive whizzed past the upright.

On the stroke of half-time, it was the turn of Pedrinho to come close from another free-kick action when his effort was kept out by the diving Azzopardi.

Azzopardi again distinguished himself 10 minutes into the second half when he showed good reflexes to keep out Bocar’s volley.

Naxxar almost scored on 66 minutes when Gilmar connected to Falzon’s corner kick but his header flashed wide.

Alex Muscat had a good chance for Sliema two minutes from time when he was put clear by Andrea Pisanu but he miscued his effort with only Azzopardi to beat.

The Lions came close twice at the death when Ibok Edet headed wide from a Jorge corner kick while deep in stoppage time Zammit dived full stretch to keep out Angus Buhagiar’s shot.