Gżira United picked up their first point of the VBet Malta Premier season after playing out a goalless draw with Żabbar St Patrick at the Centenary Stadium.

Neither side managed to find a breakthrough in a match largely dominated by cautious play, with clear scoring opportunities at a premium throughout the 90 minutes.

The result did little to significantly improve either side’s position in the standings, although it finally got Gżira off the mark while Żabbar moved onto five points.

Both teams went into the encounter eager to secure a victory as they looked to move away from the lower reaches of the table.

Żabbar enjoyed more possession during the opening half but struggled to seriously trouble Gżira goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo.

Gżira, on the other hand, were content to allow their opponents to have more of the ball while looking to threaten on the counterattack.

Żabbar created an early opening when Joao Mafra tried his luck with a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.

The match then settled into a scrappy pattern, with neither team able to produce much attacking threat until the closing stages of the first half.

Gżira had one of their best opportunities just before the interval when Brooklyn Borg advanced into the area from the left and supplied Momo Fofana, but the latter fired wide from close range.

At the other end, Mafra again attempted a shot from distance but failed to find the target.

Gżira coach Darren Abdilla introduced Brazilian striker Maxuell Maia at the start of the second half in an attempt to inject greater attacking threat into his side.

The substitute immediately made an impact, surging forward before unleashing a powerful drive which Żabbar goalkeeper Patrik Mohorovic pushed away.

Gżira threatened again after 65 minutes when Joao Teixeira rose to meet a corner but directed his header narrowly wide.

The Maroons had another opportunity five minutes from time when Albion Pllana found Maia, but the Brazilian’s effort was blocked as Żabbar held firm.

Neither team was able to find a late breakthrough as the match ended goalless and the two sides had to settle for a point apiece.

Gżira United 0

Żabbar St Patrick 0

Gżira United: E. Colombo, A. Pllana, G. Bohrer, D. Abela, A. Borg, L. Euphrasio (46’ F. Saldanha), B. Borg (46’ M. Maia), J. Teixeira, F. Maio, D. Xuereb, M. Fofana (67’ Andre).

Żabbar St Patrick: P. Mohorovic, K. Brucic, N. Lancioni, C. M’Mombwa, J. Mafra (72’ V. Mendonca), J. Micallef, S. Jovancic, Z. Leonardi, T. Terrazas (63’ J. Pisani), T. Mellilo (63’ F. Gouhon), M. Fontanella.

Referee: Glen Tonna.

Yellow cards: T. Mellilo, S. Jovancic (Żabbar St Patrick), B. Borg (Gżira United).