League leaders St. George’s dropped the first points of the season, when they were held to a draw by a determined and spirited Mqabba side.

The match was very interesting even though both sides failed to score. The result was a fair one, with the Saints still in command with a two-point lead over second placed Marsa.

As was expected Mqabba gave the Saints a hard time and this was shown from the early stages of the match. Both sides had important players in attack missing. Mqabba’s striker Anywanna was on the substitute’s bench whilst Trevor Thomas was missing for the Saints, serving a suspension.

Mqabba were very aggressive especially in midfield and never gave the Saints time to settle down. St George’s chief striker Anthony Ewurun was left alone up front, occasionally partnered by Keith Darmanin or Silvio Sciberras.

Mqabba’s John Paul Muscat roamed all over the field but failed to make an impact on the Saints’ rearguard, well marshalled by Jesmond Delia and Emanuel Sevasta.

Spiteri missed a sitter for Mqabba on 15 minutes, and later the Saints had their best chance when Johann Spiteri headed inches wide a good Larry Lagana free-kick from the right.

Mqabba were unlucky when a Keith Mallia scorcher hit the crossbar in the second half.