Tarxien Rainbows failed to go to the top of the First Division league when they failed to beat a motivated Naxxar Lions side in a scrappy and boring match.

The match was very balanced with both teams failing to produce decent scoring actions.

In the first half the only attempts came from Tarxien with shots from Alan Tabone and Carlos Camenzuli completely missing the target. The Lions created their only chance near the end when Gilbert Camilleri, put through by Chima Dozie, had his shot blocked by a Tarxien defender.

The second half was slightly better with the only scoring chances reserved for the final minutes of the match.

On 53 minutes Carlos Camenzuli passed to Alan Tabone whose shot was blocked by the Naxxar goalkeeper.

With seven minutes to go Naxxar went close to a surprise lead when from a Simon Muscat freekick, Victor Bellia headed towards goal but his header was well saved by goalkeeper Curmi.

In the last five minutes Tarxien were twice denied from certain goals. A Da Silva cross shot beat Rueben Cini, but Cedric Sciberras cleared off the line. From the resultant corner, taken by Da Silva, it was Gilbert Camilleri’s turn to block a sure goal from the line.

In injury time Naxxar almost scored a dramatic winner when Eric Saliba failed to clear, but Bellia failed to capitalise and was blocked in time by the Rainbows’ defenders.