A 90th minute deflected shot saved Mqabba from a surprise defeat against lowly Lija. The result is still a disappointing one for Mqabba who lost a golden opportunity to consolidate their third position in the table.

Mqabba were a pale shadow of the team that demolished Marsa in their last outing. Credit goes to Lija who gave a good account of themselves, with some good defending and good control in midfield, and with some luck could have even snatched three important points.

Mqabba fielded arather depleted side, with Rodrick Spiteri, Justin Tellus and John Paul Muscat on the reserve’s bench, with Albert Busuttil also missing. Lija in desperate need of points had Giles Lanzon back in the heart of defence, with Paul Camilleri giving a helping hand in his natural role in midfield.

The initial stages were very balanced with Lija looking determined and well organised, especially on the flanks. On 22 minutes John Camilleri missed a golden opportunity when he shot weakly after a bad sortie by goalkeeper Kris Calleja.

However the goal was in the air as two minutes later Lija took the lead. Nicholas Gatt had good run on the right flank and his low cross was met by John Camilleri who flicked into the net from close range.

Mqabba had an immediate reaction and stormed forward pressing their opponents in their penalty. On 28 minutes Martin Anastasi beat the offside trap but was blocked in time by goalkeeper Vella.

Five minutes later Mqabba were very unlucky when a perfect Anywanna freekick beat Vella but hit the upright. Before half time Anywanna missed another golden opportunity when after receiving from Chris Borg, he dribbled past goalkeeper Vella but his shot at goal hit the base of the upright.

The second half was less intense, as Mqabba failed to continue with their late first half rally. Although introducing Keith Mallia and John Paul Muscat, Mqabba were still far from brilliant. Scoring actions were few, with Lija missing the killer blow with an Antignolo effort missing the upright.

On 73 minutes Keith Mallia wasted a good opportunity in front of goal, with Vella blocking with his outstretched leg. A minute from time Kris Calljea kept his team in the match when he brilliantly saved a Lanzon freekick, and on 90 minutes Mqabba obtained the equaliser. Mauro Bonnici’s shot from the edge of the area was deflected by a Lija defender, with the deflection completely deceiving goalkeeper Vella for a rather soft goal.