Qormi and Hamrun Spartans battled their way in the muddy Victor Tedesco Stadium to earn a point each in an exciting match played under a constant shower.

The Spartans, arguably playing their best match of the season, gave the league leaders a good run for their money.

Hamrun with some key players missing had Rupert Mangion in splendid form, together with Timotic who played a blinder in defence.

Qormi as usual played their hearts out, but Martin Gergory's boys seemed to lack punch in front of goal. In fact Gregory after inserting Formosa was on the verge of including powerful Johann Zammit as well, but he was spared from doing the move by Carmel Formosa's equaliser.

The first half was very balanced and keenly contested.

The match was played in difficult weather conditions with the surface very muddy and slippery. Qormi had more of the ball, but the Spartans did not give away an inch.

The Spartans were without Evano Briffa suspended, Ryan Fenech and still without striker Gaetan Spiteri. Rupert Mangion played an intelligent game in midfield apart from scoring a spectacular direct free-kick.

Mead Mifsud who played instead of Briffa played a very good match and was a constant menace to the Qormi rearguard.

Qormi were in their usual set-up, apart from Carmel Formosa who was missing. Qormi were unlucky at the start when they hit the crossbar through a Joseph Farrugia free-kick.

A Telcevski shot from the edge of the area slightly missed the base of the upright.

On 37 minutes Hamrun forged ahead, when Rupert Mangion shot beautifully home direct from a free-kick from the edge of the area.

Qormi hit back with a another Farrugia free-kick that was saved by goalkeeper Michael Falzon.

Just before the break Hamrun went close again with a Stefan Sultana free-kick that was saved by Qormi keeper Matthew Farrugia.

The second half was less intense with Qormi piling up the pressure, but the Hamrun defence led by a brilliant Timotic defended well.

Qormi introduced Carmel Formosa and Glenn Buhagiar to strengthen their attack, but the Spartans could have doubled on the hour with a Marlon Vella shot that was somehow blocked by the Qormi defence.

However on 73 minutes Qormi obtained the equaliser when Talcevski made his way on the left flank and floated a perfect cross towards Carmel Formosa who headed home from close range.

This sparked the Spartans' reaction who went close again with a well taken free-kick by Rupert Mangion that was brilliantly saved by Farrugia.

Four minutes later Qormi were reduced to ten players when Pairs was sent off. Although playing with ten men, Qormi almost snatched the winner on 82 minutes with Talcevski's long range shot penetrating the Hamrun defence, only to be blocked on the goal line by Attard.

The last minutes were pulsating to say the least with both sides in search of a dramatic winner, but both defences held well for a fair drawn result.