Rabat and Melita took a point apiece from their direct clash yesterday, a result that left them far away from the teams above them in the standings.

Melita now have six points and Rabat remain firmly anchored to the bottom on just four points.

The Ajax, still searching for their first win, had the better ideas even if chances were few and far between.

Melita had Negrin missing through suspension, while Rabat were without German midfielder Backhaus who is thought to be in dispute with the club and might have his contract terminated.

The match was boring especially in the first half in which neither side seemed to be able to raise their level above the mediocre.

In the first half, play was equally shared but both sets of defences were on top of the respective front lines.

In fact, neither goalkeeper was tested seriously even though Rabat went close with a couple of good efforts.

But the level of play was poor and clearly showed why the two teams occupy the bottom two placings.

In the second half, there was not much change, but Rabat showed more determination and commitment.

However, Melita were well organised at the back where Gribbon and especially Alhinho never made a false step.

Rabat enjoyed more possession in the second 45 minutes, but they again failed to conclude any of the few openings they created.

The first action arrived on 11 minutes. Off a David Azzopardi cross, Justin Felice headed wide.

Melita replied six minutes later. Martin sent a fine pass to Julian Galea, but the latter’s shot was too weak to trouble goalie Azzopardi.

Moments later, at the other end, Joseph Caruana had a shot going just over.

On the 37th minute, Gribbon cleared a dangerous looking cross from Felice while soon after it was Dylan Falzon who went close with a fine effort that just missed the target.

On 53 minutes, Asyrauskas managed to put the ball in the Melita net, but the point was disallowed because of a foul.

Rabat maintained the initiative and on 63 minutes, it was Joseph Caruana who tested Azzopardi with a long distance effort, but the goalie saved well.

On the 81st minute, Melita’s Sierra Camacho had a header going over the bar.

Rabat A.: J. Azzopardi, G. Gesualdi, I. Carapic, J. Caruana, J. Felice (C. Vella), N. Asyrauskas, M. Moral Fuster, D. Falzon, C. Brincat, D. Azzopardi, C. Gauci.

Melita: M. Sapiano, R. Alhinho, G. Gribbon, M. Martin (A. Caruana Scicluna), N. Rizzo, J. Galea, M. Valenzia (T. Terpougoff), L. Micallef (S. Galea), K. Vella Petroni, L. Sammut, MR Sierra Camacho.

Referee: M. Borg

Asst refs: S. Attard, D. Sultana

4th official: M. Apap

Yellow cards: G. Gesualdi, K. Vella Petroni, S. Galea, A. Caruana Scicluna

Player of the match: D. Azzopardi

TMI Top 3: 1. D. Azzopardi, 2. R. Alhinho, 3. J. Felice