Mosta missed the chance to move level with Żabbar St Patrick and Tarxien Rainbows on 11 points after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a dramatic draw against Sliema Wanderers.

The side looked on course for a crucial victory after opening a comfortable lead, but Sliema produced a strong late comeback to earn a share of the spoils.

Sliema controlled possession for much of the opening half, yet it was Mosta who fashioned the clearer opportunities. Goalkeeper Rashed Al Tumi had to react sharply to keep out an effort from Prince, while at the other end Mosta keeper Akpan made an important close-range save to deny Neil Frendo.

Mosta broke the deadlock on 35 minutes when Henrique Murillo’s pass was intercepted by Giancarlo Goncalves, who showed great composure to beat Al Tumi with an excellent lob.

Sliema’s problems continued after the interval when Prince burst into the penalty area but was denied by the advancing Al Tumi.

However, Mosta doubled their advantage on 63 minutes. Joaquim Fernandes squared the ball into the box and Prince was on hand to apply the finishing touch.

Despite trailing by two goals, Sliema refused to give in and pulled one back through substitute Luke Montebello, who finished from close range after being picked out by Vito Plut.

The warning signs went unheeded by Mosta, and Sliema completed their comeback when Montebello delivered a cross that was met by Plut, whose header found the net to secure a valuable point.

Ħamrun Spartans 3

Naxxar Lions 0

Ħamrun Spartans remained level on points with Marsaxlokk in second place after returning to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 victory over Naxxar Lions.

The win came as a timely boost for the Spartans, who entered the match on the back of three consecutive defeats that had dented their hopes of retaining the league title.

Ħamrun responded in positive fashion with a composed and clinical display.

They opened the scoring on 35 minutes when Mouad El Fanis unleashed a powerful drive that was kept out by the Naxxar goalkeeper, only for Damir Ceter to react quickest and convert the rebound.

Naxxar’s difficulties deepened a minute before half-time when Gustavo Campos inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

The Spartans wrapped up the three points 13 minutes from time after being awarded a penalty, with Joseph Mbong confidently converting from the spot.