Mqabba finished the match with nine men and finally had to settle for a draw against St Andrew’s in a scrappy match, one of the worst seen so far this season.

Mqabba still smarting from two consecutive defeats at the hands of Lija and Balzan, failed to impress for the third consecutive match, as they were outplayed for many moments of the match by the young St.Andrew’s side.

The Saints were not very dangerous even though they held the initiative for long patches of the match. On 20 minutes Mqabba made their first effort through Mauro Bonnici whose dipper was brilliantly saved by Ibrahim.

The Saints went close on 37 minutes when a Nicky Vella Petroni lob landed on the upper part of the crossbar. Just before the break the Saints goalkeeper Ibrahim made a great save off a close range header by Iro Curmi.

The second half was even played at a lower pace with goalmouth actions practically none. On 68 minutes Mazitelli was put through by substitute John Paul Muscat, but the Saints’ goalkeeper Ibrahim charged out of position to block the Brazilian striker. Minutes later Chris Cuschieri’s shot went well over the bar.

In the dying minutesMqabba had two players sent off for dissent. First it was David Azzopardi who received the marching orders and minutes later Pierre Grima suffered the same fate. There was no time left for St Andrew’s to try to take advantage from their double numerical superiority, and both sides welcomed the point earned.

Mqabba K. Calleja, A. Scicluna, P. Grima, M. Bonnici, B. Timotic, D. Azzopardi, C. Cuschieri, J. Shead, I. Curmi (M. Briffa), T. Mazitelli (M.A. Psaila), S. Magro (J.P. Muscat),

St. Andrew’s D. Ibrahim, J. Briscoe White, P. Briscoe White, J. Bugeja, R. Hartvig, M. Valenzia, W. Camilleri, A. Amato, N. Vella Petroni, M. Calleja (M. Desira Buttigieg), N. Chetcuti (F. Anakua)

Referee Kevin Azzopardi