League leaders Marsa dropped their first points of the season against a stubborn Lija in the first scoreless match of the season.

Lija Athletics without central defender Giles Lanzon, produced a solid defensive display with Paul Camilleri playing a blinder and with goalkeeper Mercieca making some good saves.

Marsa as usual relied on Gilbert Martin’s speed and skills but yesterday he was not at his best, even though Marsa’ s scoring chances came from his promptings.

The match never reached high standards, with both defences supreme.

In the first half Thomas missed a sitter following good work on the right by Martin, and Mercieca tipped into a corner a good Slavchev freekick.

At the start of the second half Marsa had their best chance of the match when Gilbert Martin was denied by Mercieca, and Jospeh Casha was unlucky from the rebound when he the upright.

In the final moments Marsa pressed hard for the winning goal, but they failed in their quest to obtain the foruth consecutive victory, as Lija still in search of their first victory, defended till the final whistle to obtain their second point.