This was a must‐win for both, but in the end they had to settle for a draw which is almost equivalent to a defeat.

Sirens are in the dire straights in the lower part of the table and at least the three points would have lifted some of their residual hopes of maintaining their Premiership status.

However they missed this opportunity and will now need a sporting miracle to avoid the drop.

They fought bravely after going behind and obtained a deserved draw, but this does not help their cause.

On the other side Marsaxlokk missed another opportunity to inch closer to third‐placed Sliema, who collected only three points in their last three outings.

But the point earned leaves them five points behind the Wanderers, as Birkirkara are now only two points adrift in fifth place after their last gasp victory over Valletta.

In the 11th minute, a cross from the left by Fernando Gomes and a quick shot by Yuri Messias ended up high over the crossbar.

Marsaxlokk took the lead on 23 minutes from a direct free‐kick by Leandro Aguirre who slot in the roof of the net.

A minute later, Sirens re‐ sponded with a powerful shot by Nicholas Pulis, which the goalkeeper Drobnjak blocked with difficulty.

In the 37th minute, Sunday Akinbule managed to outrun a Sirens defender, but his powerful shot hit the upright post.

Sirens were moreoffensive at the beginning of the second half, and barely a minute in, they protested for a penalty, when Gilberto Martins was floored in the box, but referee Farrugia or‐ dered a corner.

Sirens finally managed to equalise on 55 minutes, when Degran Jackson’s effort was impossible for goalkeeper Drobn‐ jak to save.

In the 70th minute, Bismark Asare continued to advance on the right, but his final shot was turned into a corner by Drobn‐ jak. In the 77th minute, Degran Jackson beat two defenders on the left but his shot was well saved by Drobnjak.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina