The match between two of the possible challengers for the title, Birkirkara and Hibernians, resulted in a rather disappointing affair with the result finishing in a 1-1 draw. It was a fair result as neither side deserved to get three points from this match.

The first half was very boring and pathetic with both sides failing to make a decent move towards goal. The second half at least, thanks to the goals scored, produced some interesting moments.

It is to early in the season to judge these two sides. Potentially they both possess some very good players and can give a good run to any opponent, but definitely not in yesterday's form.

In the second half both teams had some good moments, and Birkirkara's defender Hartvig, goal apart, could prove to be an asset for John Buttigieg's defence.

Birkirkara coach John Buttigieg had to change his attack after a couple of minutes as new signing Sansdjo limped off with Alan Tabone taking his place. Tabone teamed up with Michael Galea in attack, with Mallia, Fenech and Bajada in midfield Yanchev and Hartvig were the Stripes' central defenders.

Hibernians made little changes to their side, with Cassar, Mintoff, Xuereb and Pulis at the back, with Doffo, Agius and Failla in midfield, and Cohen just behind the strikers Alcorse and Scerri.

Both teams blotted each other out in midfield with the first attempt at goal coming after 26 minutes with Birkirkara's Lombardi hitting wide.

Hibs' reply came from a Scerri header going over the bar. The first decent move came just before half time when Lombardi passed to Anastasi who back heeled to Paul Fenech who shot over the bar.

The second half started on a better note with a Michael Galea free-kick going inches wide. Hibs hit back with another free-kick by Cohen with the ball landing on the roof of the net.

On the hour Hibernians created their best move with Failla crossing towards Alcorse whose header beat Paris, but Hartvig was on hand to clear a sure goal. Hibs continued to produce some interesting moves up front and on 66 minutes they broke the deadlock when Clayton Failla fought his way inside the area and crossed towards Terence Scerri who first timed beautifully past Bernard Paris.

Hibs were now surely the better team with Alcorse showing some neat touches.

On 74 minutes Birkirkara were back on level terms when from a Shaun Bajada free-kick, Danish defender Hartvig's header surprised Mario Muscat for the equaliser.