Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara cancel each other in goalless stalemate

Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara played out a cagey stalemate, as both sides adopted a cautious game plan with the Top Six race in mind.

Neither team was willing to risk too much, and the contest ultimately became a midfield battle with only a handful of chances at either end.

In the end, the final stalemate did little to boost either team’s Top Six hopes as they remain locked in sixth place on ten points.

They started brightly, as within the first minute, a cross from the right by Dodo found Joseph Minala, who rose above both friends and foes but headed over the bar.

The Stripes took their time to settle down, but on 12 minutes Shaun Dimech’s corner found Macula, whose point-blank header was brilliantly saved by Christoffer Mafoumbi.

Moments later, another crucial intervention came from Dodo, who deflected Kemar Reid’s strike from Leonardo Lacunza’s cross, a shot that looked destined for the back of the net.

Birkirkara remained on the backfoot as Weder collected possession deep in his own half, strode forward and hit a rising shot which was deflected into a corner.

On 55 minutes, Ulises Arias profited from a slip-up by Luis Cordova to gain possession and advance with the ball. But rather than serving Ayom Majok on the right, he elected to hit a low drive, which finished wide.

On the hour mark, Birkirkara defender Ignacio Morello squandered a golden opportunity when he incredibly missed a sitter following an inviting pass by Macula.

On 79 minutes, Macula embarked on solo run, outpaced three Marsaxlokk players before hitting a shot straight at Mafoumbi.  

Six minutes later, Reid tried his luck with a freekick that hit over the wall but far from goal.

There was one final chance for Dodo, who advanced on the right flank and hit a looping shot, which had Angel Miguel Martinez backtracking to save the ball on the line.