Vittoriosa Stars dropped their first points of the season when they were held to a 1-1 draw by a gallant Naxxar side. It was a fair result as Naxxar dominated for long stretches of the match and were rewarded in the end with a late equaliser.

The Stars immediately made their intentions clear going ahead after only nine minutes when Josef Dalli finished off a fast counter break. Vittoriosa continued to dictate maters with Pereira going near on 19 minutes. Naxxar’s first attempt at goal came on 24 minutes when Darren Falzon’s shot on the turn was well saved by Vella.

Four minutes from the break, Naxxar Lions went close again, when Darren Falzon headed slightly over the bar a well taken freekick by Edilson Fiori Dos Santos.

On the resumption Vittoriosa were reduced to ten men when captain Scerri was given the marching orders. However Vittoriosa went close on 55 minutes with a Josef Dalli header slightly wide. Two minutes later Marcelo Pereira dribbled his way insiode the penalty area and tested Spiteri with a fierce drive.

On 71 minutes Vittoriosa goalkeeper Vella made the best save of the match saving a point blank header from De Lima Siqueira following a Bellia cross from the right. Vella again saved his side punching away a dangerous Fiori Dos Santos freekick.

One minute from time Naxxar obtained a deserved equaliser when Hallison De Lima Siqueira headed home in style from close range.

Vittoriosa S: J.M. Vella, J. Camilleri, B. Bonnici, S. Tellus, T. Lopes Fereira (R. Sell), M. Pereira, L. Scerri, L. Rocha Dos Santos, A. Spiteri (L. Lagana), J. Dalli, M. Buttigieg (J. Spiteri).

Naxxar L: J. Spiteri, V. Bellia, D. Falzon, A. Farrugia, A. Fenech (K. Fenech), R. Schembri, L. Micallef (K. Farrugia), A. Attard (A. Del Negro), M. Maccari, H. De Lima Siqueira, E. Fiori Dos Santos.

Referee: Chris Lautier