Champions Hamrun Spartans failed to gain from Floriana’s slip as they were also held by newly promoted Sliema Wanderers. Earlier Floriana were surprisingly held by Naxxar Lions, but the Spartans failed to take advantage as they had to settle for a draw too.

The Wanderers fully deserved the point earned after a very good performance. The start of the game was rather scrappy with the first attempt coming from the Spartans on 29 minutes, and attempt that resulted in Hamrun’s opener.

Luke Montebello was served on the left in a dubious position, but the Spartans striker dribbled an opponent and fired at the back of the race. Sliema replied with a Gomes effort missing the target in the dying seconds of the first half.

The second half was more intense with Freitas testing Al Tumi

Fil-50 minuta tentattiv ċentrali ta’ Elionay mit-tarf tal-kaxxa jispiċċa f’idejn Al Tumi. Half-way through the second half Sliema drew level when substitute Geoffrey Acheampong surprised the Spartans defence and slotted home past Bonello.

Hamrun were unlucky not to regain the lead when a Joseph Mbong cross-shot finished against the crossbar. On 72 minutes Freitas tested Al Tuni with a header and the Sliema custodian again showed his worth saving a Prsa freekick.

The last minutes were an open contest with both sides in search of a winner with Hamrun going close in the final seconds with Al Tumi blocking Steve Borg’s effort.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina