Mqabba 0

Hamrun S 0

Mqabba kept Hamrun Spartans at bay in this top of the table clash, to keep their sole leadership and the five-point lead over the same Spartans.

The match never really reached high standards and the good crowd present must have left the stadium disappointed. Mqabba's supporters, however, surely left happy with the point earned. The result suits Mqabba, and puts teams like Mosta and St George's back in the hunt for a premier berth.

Mqabba confirmed not only that they are a better outfit, but also that their sole leadership is a just reward for the form shown so far. Undoubtedly yesterday's result is another bold step forward towards promotion.

Hamrun, smarting from two consecutive defeats against Mosta and Gozo FC, showed once again their limitations especially up front, and confirmed their lean period which is putting them adrift in the promotion race.

The first half was very tactical with Mqabba playing mainly on the defensive and with their goalkeeper Kris Calleja the best player on the field of play. Mqabba started without John Paul Muscat and his absence was sorely felt as Mqabba were never dangerous.

Anywanna was completely subdued by Keith Fabri, and found little assistance from Marlon Briffa. The main battle was in midfield with Albert Busuttil trying hard to come to grips with Magri Overend, Borg and Briffa.

Hamrun's most dangerous player was Gaetan Spiteri who gave Justin Tellus a very hard time. Goal-mouth actions were very rare with the best chances coming Hamrun's way. On 16 minutes Spiteri's shot on the turn went well over the bar.

Two minutes later Calleja effected his first save blocking a close range header from Ryan Fenech. In the last minutes the game became very exciting with Calleja blocking a close range shot from Spiteri, and on 43 minutes Calleja again came to the rescue when he blocked a close range shot from Keith Fabri.

Mqabba's only shot at goal came from Donald Gatt from outside the area with Jason Cordina blocking with ease. In stoppage time, Calleja effected another good save when he blocked a first timer by Gaetan Spiteri.

In the second half Mqabba introduced John Paul Muscat, and, although not at his best, this player proved his worth, as Mqabba were now better positioned on the field of play and the Spartans found the going hard. In fact Mqabba never passed through real dangers and goalkeeper Calleja was only involved in intercepting crosses that were never of any danger.

Mqabba had two attempts at goal through John Paul Muscat with Cordina diving to save, and through their best player yesterday, Albert Busuttil, who tested Cordina with a central shot.

In the last instances of the match Hamrun surged forward but Mqabba blocked all their attempts to cruise home unbeaten.