With the third draw in this competition, all three teams finished with two points each but according to the regulations, Hibernians are the winners of this year’s Euro Challenge Trophy because they scored most goals (five) in two matches.

In the final analysis, a one-all draw between Marsaxlokk and Sliema Wanderers yesterday served no purpose for both teams but confirmed once again the equilibrium between all three sides at this early stage of the season, prior to embarking on their European club commitments next week.

The sides did not change much from their first outing, only for Sliema to give a start to Sharlon Pace instead of Anonam.

The Wanderers were the first out of the blocks.

With hardly two minutes on the clock, Bartolo forayed down the right, exchanged the ball with Woods and forced keeper Gauci to turn his shot into a corner.

From the ensuing flag-kick, Ciantar thumped his firm header against the bar.

Shortly after, Bajada nearly exploited space outside Marsaxlokk’s penalty area. His drive went narrowly off target.

After ten minutes play, Marsaxlokk started to find pace and movement. Their first threat came from Pace, whose shot from outside the area had Bonello stretching himself to turn into a corner. Pullicino served Webb, whose effort was blocked, with Wellman shooting the rebound wide.

On 20 minutes Webb headed Licari’s cross wide and on the other end even Azzopardi put his header off target when connecting well to Bajada’ free-kick.

But Sliema’s raids were becoming less frequent as Marsaxlokk looked slightly superior at that stage.

Towards the half hour, Pullicino’s shot was held out by Bonello’s single-handed save.

But as the match progressed, the players showed more muscular endeavour which left no time and space for precision and by halftime the stalemate prevailed.

The sides put more effort after the restart. Marsaxlokk’s slick passing between Frendo and Pullicino freed Sammut, whose angled shot as well saved into a corner by Bonello.

A Ciantar header on Bajada’s corner was cleared off the line for Sliema, shortly before they made the breakthrough on 64 minutes.

Bajada’s shot was palmed out by Gauci and Brian Said blasted in the loose ball from close range.

But Marsaxlokk restored equilibrium within three minutes.

Cleaven Frendo beat keeper Bonello with a blistering shot from outside the area to score his third goal in the competition.

With both sides going all out for a win, there were half chances at both ends in the last quarter hour, but the teams needed a poacher to finish the job.

Marsaxlokk brought on Bajada while Sliema put in Anonam, Scerri and Turner.

Gauci foiled Azzopardi, blocking his close range header.

Bajada squandered two late chances for Marsaxlokk as he twice shot wide when well put through.

After the match, Hibernians’ captain Mario Muscat was presented with the Cup by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud.

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