A spirited St George’s side earned a more than deserved point against leaguleaders Marsaxlokk yesterday. The leaders coming from a four-match winning streak were literally outclassed in the first half by a gallant St George’s side.

The leaders were kept in the match thanks to three great saves by Justin Haber who immediately left his mark in his debut for the south seasiders.

However Justin Haber’s five star performance came to an ubrupt end just before half time when he was sent off for handling the ball outside the area. In the second half the Saints lost much of their momentum especially when Marsaxlokk took the lead through an unlucky own goal against the run of play. Conceicao played a blinder for the Saints, but other players like Mizzi, Lagana, Brincat and Effiong gave their solid contribution. Effiong left a very good impression in his debut for the Saints crowning his performance with a great equaliser, and this player could be an asset for the Saints in the remaining matches.

The leaders had an off day yesterday. Kevin Sammut played his heart out and was the most effective for his side, with Daniel Bogdanovic showing his class only in isolated flashes.

The league leaders started on the rampage but the Saints created the first danger with a Mizzi initiative who crossed to new signing Effiong who tested Haber with a header. Three minutes later Haber was again called in action when he saved a Mizzi effort.

The Saints’ who had Sevasta missing through suspension, packed their defence and pressed in midfield and the leaders found the going hard. Bernard Paris who was outstanding against Valletta, was relegated to the substitute’s bench, and his replacement Andrea Gatt effected his first difficult save when he dived to save a point blank header from Mamo.

On 30 minutes Haber saved the day for the leaders when he punched a close range header from Effiong following a good cross from Mizzi. On the other end Bogdanovic tested Gatt with a shot on the turn.

Haber’s best was yet to come as he brought the house down on 35 minutes when he saved a close range shot from Benoir Fenech, a shot that was destined to the back of the net. Surprisingly St George’s kept creating the best chances with Haber again saving an Effiong dipper, with the striker evidently handling the ball before shooting at goal.

Just before the break the Marsaxlokk keeper was sent off by the referee when he blocked with his hands outside the area an Effiong lob, who was put through by a perfect Mizzi cross.

Reserve goalkeeper Rueben Gauci was romped in for Doda, and from the resultant freekick Conceicao¹s shot sailed over the bar.

The second half started with ten-man Marsaxlokk forging ahead on 52 minutes, when one of the best players on the field, Renato Conceicao committed an unlucky own goal in an attempt to anticipate Frendo who was trying to connect to a Bogdanoviclow cross.

The Saints’ morale was dashed to the ground and the leaders controlled with relative ease, until the Saints were rewarded two minutes from time when Mizzi floated a perfect cross from the left and Effiong headed in the equaliser.