St Patrick obtained a well deserved draw against Tarxien in an entertaining match yesterday morning.

The Saints playing the last part of the match with a man less, improved a lot in the second half, and after hitting the posts on three occasions, they obtained the merited equaliser.

Tarxien missed a golden opportunity to go in second place, after dominating the first 45 minutes. Although having Da Silva in splendid form, with the Brazilian playing his best match so far for the Rainbows, the Rainbows failed miserably especially in attack with Alan Tabone and Simon Shead having an off-day.

St Patrick were rarely dangerous in attack but were very unlucky in their first attempt at goal, when a Robert Cassar freekick beat Curmi but his shot slammed against the upright.

Da Silva tested Mintoff from the edge of the area and on 30 minutes Tarxien took a deserved lead. A melee ensued following a Da Silva corner, with the ball coming to Manuel Caruana who unleashed a scorcher from the edge of the area with the ball finishing at the back of the net, just below the crossbar.

Four minutes later Tarxien could have doubled the score with another inspiring move by Da Silva who passed to Alan Tabone, who even beat the opposing goalkeeper but his shot destined for the back of the net was blocked on the fatal line by Michael Zerafa.

The second half was very exciting with scoring chances in quick succession. Da Silva created havoc on 51 minutes but Zammit shot wide from an ideal position. Two minutes later the Saints were unlucky again when a Mark Tanti dipper slammed against the crossbar. On 55 minutes the Saints hit the woodwork for the third time when Vella's lob beat Curmi with the ball again hitting the crossbar.

On 60 minutes Tarxien created another golden opportunity with Da Silva passing to Coleiro whose cross was incredibly missed by Shead in front of goal.

Two minutes later the Saints were reduced to ten players when Ludwig Bartolo was sent off for his second bookable offence.

Although with ten men the Saints finally managed to obtain the equaliser when substitute Gilbert Scerri lobbed beautifully over Curmi for a deserved equaliser.