Ten-man Sliema Wanderers were close to suffering a first defeat but a penalty eight minutes in added time enabled them to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw with Melita in a match from the 360Sports Malta Premier Opening Round at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday.
The Wanderers, therefore, failed to keep the pace with leaders Birkirkara and now share second place with Floriana, four points behind the Stripes, one ahead of Hamrun Spartans and Hibernians.
Melita, on the other hand, earn a point after suffering three consecutive defeats to join Balzan on the five-point mark.
Sliema were reduced to ten men on 29 minutes as Myles Beerman was sent off for serious foul play.
However four minutes later, they still managed to take the lead when off a cross by Steve Pisani from the right, Samuel Gomes headed the ball home past goalkeeper Gosef Mizzi.
Melita levelled matters three minutes in the second half when Andre provided the assist from the left and Nick Cutajar slotted the ball past goalkeeper Kelvin Emeka Agu.
Three minutes later, Clive Mizzi’s side forged ahead. Karl Mohnani sent Andre through on the left and the latter lobbed the ball over the Sliema custodian.
The Wanderers were unlucky not to equalise on 67 minutes when off a corner from the right, Vito Plut hit the near post and off the rebound Simon Zibo hit the far post.
However, eight minutes in added time, the Wanderers restored equilibrium when Jonata was brought down inside the area by Henrique Motta and Murilo Freire converted from the penalty spot.
