The Stags began their pre-season campaign with an uneventful 0-0 draw with Naxxar Lions on Saturday.
In boiling hot temperatures at the Melita Sports Complex, boss Paul Cox opted to field almost an entirely different XI in each half, but we were unable to make a breakthrough.
Louis Briscoe, John McCombe and Anthony Howell were all off-target with early efforts, before Lee Beevers saw a cross-cum-shot saved midway through the first period.
Junior Daniel then fired wide from close-range after some intelligent build up play involving Beevers, whilst Hutchinson saw an effort saved moments later.
Hutchinson and midfield playmaker Chris Clements were both off-target with separate free-kicks, as the match somehow remained goalless at the break.
Chances were to be had at less regular intervals after the re-start but Jamie McGuire, who had earlier been cautioned, saw a swerving strike expertly palmed away.
Stevenson’s deflected free-kick was also well held by the Naxxar ‘keeper in the closing stages, whilst Meikle also squandered an opportunity to break the deadlock.
First Half XI: Deakin, Beevers, McCombe, Tafazolli, Black, Murtagh, Howell, Clements, Briscoe, Hutchinson, Daniel.Â
Second Half XI: Marriott, Beevers, Riley, Tafazolli, Jennings, Murray, Stevenson, McGuire, Meikle, Rhead, Clucas.
