For the second time this season Hamrun and Birkirkara failed to score in a boring and drab affair.

In the end both teams were happy with the result obtained with the Spartans moving closer to the title and with the Stripes keeping up the challenge for a European spot at the start of next season.

Both sides will cross swords again in six days’ time when they face each other in the FA Trophy quarter final.

One surely hopes that this quarter final will offer better fare than that showed yesterday.

Birkirkara were without their top‐scorer Cabrera who was sus‐ pended and he was sorely felt as the Stripes practically had no attempts at goal.

They were unlucky to lose Alex de Paixao on 25 minutes, even though his substitute Kevin Tulim‐ ieri was one of the best for his side, togethet with Coppola who played a blinder at the back.

The Spartans had their problems too, losing Ryan Camenzuli before the break, who was stretchered off.

Mashike and Jonny failed to com‐ bine with the Spartans’ only effort in the whole ninety minutes com‐ inf from Jonny with a long distance drive that was blocked by Nava.

Referee Johnson made matters worse whistling a lot throughout the game for almost each and every tackle.

In stoppage time Hamrun captain Steve Borg received a second booking and was sent off.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina