Sliema W 1

Marsaxlokk 1

A point apiece for Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk in a match of patchy quality, did little to enhance both teams’ progress as their crisis of form continues.

Marsaxlokk tried to improve upon their string of recent poor results, having failed to win in their last four matches, collecting only two points in the process.

They put slightly more effort, especially towards the end, but lacked the required finish to break down Sliema’s defence.

The Wanderers, themselves without a win in seven matches, again showed lack of imagination of genuine quality. This draw leaves them third from bottom, three points adrift of Marsaxlokk and one below the team above them, Qormi.

Sliema fielded a depleted side, bereft of defenders Julian Briffa and Clifford Gatt Baldacchino as well as midfielder John Mintoff. Beppe Muscat, Roderick Bajada and Miguel Ciantar were given starts. Clayton Failla made his return after a long lay off, going in shortly before the break as a substitute for Ciantar, who could not continue playing after receiving a blow on the head earlier on.

Marsaxlokk preferred Clive Brincat, back to full fitness, in the heart of the defence as Yanchev went in for the second half.

The teams’ willingness to go out and play, lent us an entertaining opening with some flowing football. But the promise of any high tempo fireworks quickly evaporated with both sets of defences dominating the opposing attacks, giving way to a tepid disappointing first half.

The towering presence of Brincat and Galabov in the Marsaxlokk backline provided a solid cover, making it hard for Mifsud Triganza or Obiefule to exploit any opening as Licari stifled the latter on the flank.

On the other end, Souare was a tower of strength, dismantling most of Marsaxlokk’s build-ups and almost rendering Effiong to the point of near invisibility.

So real goalmouth action remained at a premium. Deanov’s progression was stopped inside the area on Effiong’s wall pass. Obiefule’s tame shot did not trouble keeper Gauci in the Marsaxlokk goal and Scerri’s shot was blocked.

Towards the half hour Lima played the ball wide to Ciantar, who made space for Mifsud Triganza to shoot wide.

With little openings, Galabov opted for a shot from a distance which completely missed the target.

The goal was the only highlight of a mundane first half and that came for Marsaxlokk after 40 minutes. Licari’s cross from the byeline from the right was palmed out by keeper Aktpan in the path of Ruben Guerreiro who slotted the ball in from close range.

The start of the second half promised better things when Sliema restored equilibrium after only four minutes. Failla provided the cross from the right and Jackson Lima shot in as keeper Gauci parried the ball but could not hold it.

Marsaxlokk responded with Guerreiro’s rising shot tipped over the bar by keeper Aktpan but play soon reverted to the early physical endeavour that left little space for good football. Sliema’s Mark Scerri and Marsaxlokk’s Dylon Kokavessis both had to be substituted after suffering knocks.

As the match wore on, the teams looked more than happy with a draw, even though Marsaxlokk showed more will and put in Julio Alcorse for the last 15 minutes. The Argentine forward nearly gave his side the win in the dying minutes. But his goalbound header on Deanov’s cross was well saved by the Sliema keeper into a corner.

Marsaxlokk ended on the offensive and in added time Effiong headed another Deanov cross off target as a Licari cross shot was deflected out with the Sliema keeper beaten.

Sliema W I. Aktpan, J. Mifsud, S. Souare, M. Scerri (N. Turner), J.P. Mifsud Triganza, M. Ciantar (C. Failla), S. Bezzina, J. Lima, O. Obiefule, R. Bajada, B. Muscat (A. Spiteri)

Coach M. Marlow

Marsaxlokk R. Gauci, C. Mamo, G. Sciberras, M. Deanov, M. Licari, A. Effiong, C. Brincat (E. Yanchev), R. Galabov, T. Templeman, D. Kokavessis (P. Pullicino), R. Guerreiro (J. Alcorse)

Coach P. Curmi

Referee A. Azzopardi

Asst.refs P. Apap, W. Debattista

4th official M. Borg

Scorers R. Guerreiro 40, J. Lima 49

Yellow cards M. Ciantar, C. Brincat, J. Mifsud, P. Pullicino, C. Failla

Player of the match M. Deanov (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top 3 1. S. Souare 2. M. Deanov 3. R. Guerreiro

Attendance 780