St George’s had to settle for a draw against a determined and aggressive Naxxar Lions side, thus collecting their second consecutive draw.

And for the second consecutive time the leaders had to struggle to save a match that for long periods looked to be going Naxxar’s way.

As was the case in their drawn derby match against Senglea, Johann Spiteri was again on mark to save them from an embarrassing defeat. Naxxar played their hearts out gaining another important point, that puts them in safer waters.

St George’s without the suspended Christian Grech, and Edgar Degabriele started like a house on fire and Naxxar goalkeeper Kevin Agius was immediately called in action, twice denying Trevor Thomas.

Surprisingly on eight minutes Naxxar took the lead when goalkeeper Gatt failed to grasp a harmless shot from Gilbert Camilleri with the ball rolling slowly into the net.

This goal jolted the league leaders who could not come to grips with their opponents, who started playing some polished football. Bellia in midfield was well supported by Magri who had a brilliant first half. Dozie and Gilbert Camilleri played their hearts out trying to fill Simon Muscat’s absence.

On 17 minutes Naxxar had a good break, but this time Gatt saved Gilbert Camilleri’s shot. St. George’s increased the pressure in the last part of the first half with constant pressing and crosses on the Naxxar defenders. However the Lions’ rearguard was very solid with Schembri and Sciberras fighting for every ball.

Before the break Naxxar had two quick counter breaks, with Camilleri’s header going over the bar, and Magri blasting high from the edge of the area after a good solo run.

The second half was played on the same pattern with Naxxar controlling with relative ease, the Saints’ pressure. Cima Dozie beat the offside trap but shot wide, with the leaders going near with a Lagana freekick saved by Agius. Agius saved in spectacular fashion a close range shot by Bonello, and minutes later it was Gatt’s turn to make a great save denying Tabone a certain goal.

On 66 minutes St George’s levelled the score when from a Sciberras cross, Agius saved Johann Spiteri’s shot but could do nothing to save from the rebound.

The last minutes of the match were intense, with both sides missing an easy chance in front of goal.

St George’s missed an incredible chance, when a Thomas header hit the crossbar and from the rebound Ewurun and Darmanin collided with each other, failing to put the ball in from two meters.

On the other end St George’s goalkeeper Gatt made amends for his first half lapse when he blocked a close range shot from Dozie.