San Ġwann 1
Mqabba 1
San Ġwann and Mqabba came to this match looking to make up for their poor showing in their respective league opener earlier this month.
In the end, however, they had to settle for a point each even though Mqabba saw more of the ball and had enough chances to clinch victory late on.
Borislav Giorev, the Mqabba coach, had key players Martin Anastasi and Claudio Calleja missing. He only had a squad of 16 available yesterday.
Mqabba still showed the better qualities in the early stages and took the lead on 10 minutes when Jean Paul Muscat profited from a bad Saints clearance and fired the ball past Justin Spiteri from outside the box.
A minute later, Mqabba could have doubled their lead but Shawn Magro, put through by Muscat, took too long to conclude and the danger was averted.
San Ġwann soon started to come out of their shell though and on 18 minutes Alan Borg drove the ball just wide after a good combination with Firaz Aboulezz.
Two minutes later, San Ġwann were awarded a penalty when Pierre Grima floored Clint Gatt in the box. However, Lee Cumbo's shot was saved by Kris Calleja.
The pace slowed significantly until the break but on resumption Glenn Barry's half-volley for Mqabba finished just wide. Then, Magro did well to find space but was thwarted by a fine save from Spiteri.
At the other end, an Aboulezz free-kick on 55 minutes hit the crossbar and the ball fell on the line. Mqabba keeper Calleja was quick to push the ball away for a corner despite protests from San Ġwann that it was a legitimate goal.
However, from the flag-kick, Miguel Francica's firm header made the score 1-1.
San Ġwann suffered a setback on 71 minutes when Mario Caruana earned his second yellow card and was sent off for flooring Barry who was on his way to goal.
Mqabba should have scored two minutes later but Patrick Borg's header from a Joseph Fenech cross, lacked precision.
On 81 minutes, Barry had two attempts at goal cleared off the line by Leeroy Bonnet as the Saints fought hard to avoid defeat. Deep into stoppage time they had Spiteri to thank after keeping out a Borg header that seemed destined for the net.
San Ġwann: J. Spiteri, C. Giordemaina, M. Caruana, M. Francica, L. Cumbo, A. Borg, C. Cuschieri (R. Sammut), F. Aboulezz (V. Brincat), C. Gatt (Q. Bregman), S. Pisani, L. Bonett.
Mqabba: K. Calleja, M. Bonnici, P. Grima, P. Borg, M.A. Psaila, S. Magro, J.P. Muscat (C. Farrugia), J. Fenech, O. Grech, G. Barry, V. Caushi (E. Borg).
Referee: Paul Apap.
Man of the match: Leeroy Bonnett (San Ġwann).