Tarxien R.-Hibernians 1-2



Tarxien Rainbows should have won this match because they were superior to their opponents for long stretches and carved the better chances, especially in the first half. But possession does not always equate to victory and a dodgy penalty spurred champions Hibernians into a late rally that saw them turn the game on its head.

Hibernians were depleted without defender Xuereb and their midfield tandem of Galabaov and Callejas. Their two central defenders were the returning duo Jonathan Caruana and Jonathan Pearson as Ryan Camilleri was exiled to the bench.

Tarxien'a only change from the team who earned a draw against Valletta in the previous match, was the introduction of Decesare for Chircop.

Still, the Rainbows showed their same vein of good form during the first half of this highly charged derby against the champions and fully deserved their one-goal lead by halftime.

This came past the quarter hour when Tanti steered the ball square to Anderson Ribeiro, on the edge of the area, to beat keeper Muscat with an exquisite curling shot to his left.

Before that Tarxien had gone close when a Dos Santos effort went narrowly off target and Calabretta clipped the bar from inside the area.

On 23 minutes, Calabretta crossed from the right and Ribeiro again tried to beat Muscat at the far post but the Hibernians custodian stretched himself to save well.

Before that, Hibernians threatened when a Caruana corner caused havoc in the Tarxien defence after keeper Curmi failed to reach for the ball but Malasenoks did not capitalise.

Towards the half hour, from a dangerous Calabretta corner kick, Pereira's goalbound header was cleared on the line.

Before the break, Hibernians increased their efforts. Barbara tried to make his way inside the Tarxien area, albeit challenged by Pereira and without support, but finally was robbed of the ball by the goalkeeper. Then Herrera fired Triston Caruana's corner first time over the bar.

Tarxien took a more laid back approach in the second half and, even because Hibernians themselves improved upon resumption, they allowed their opponents more comfort on the ball.

Still, Tarxien should have scored a second when both Dos Santos and Ribeiro presented themselves dangerously inside the Hibernians area but were culpably profligate in their finishing.

Ten minutes from time, Hibernians' dead men were resurrected when Mintoff fouled substitute Elkien Cauchi inside the area and Andrew Cohen tucked away the penalty to level matters.

Hardly three minutes later, Hibernians took the lead as Adrian Pulis rose unhindered to head in a Triston Caruana corner from the right.

Tarxien were stunned. Ribeiro nearly caught Muscat off his line with a long range lob from the centre circle but the Hibernians keeper recovered well to turn into a corner before, with two minutes of normal time remaining, he collected his second booking for time wasting and was sent off. Having effected all their three substitutions, Jonathan Caruana went in goal for Hibernians to survive five minutes of added time and claim full points.



Tarxien R: A. Curmi, S. Sadowski (J. Shead), D. Camilleri, G. Calabretta, E. Pereira, A. Ribeiro, M. Tanti (M. Caruana), A. Decesare (W. Chircop), L. Vella Critien, D. Dos Santos, R. Mintoff

Hibernians: M. Muscat, E. Herrera (R. Camilleri), A. Pulis, J. Caruana, J. Pearson, M. Tabone (E. Cauchi), T. Caruana, E. Barbara, A. Cohen, O. Malasenoks, L. Grech (Y. Cauchi)

Referee: C. Pisani Asst.refs: A. Camilleri, J. Camilleri 4th official: A. Arciola

Scorers: A. Ribeiro, A. Cohen (pen), A. Pulis

Yellow cards: M. Muscat, A. Pulis, L. Grech, G. Calabretta, D. Dos Santos, A. Ribeiro,

J.Shead

Red card: M. Muscat

Player of the match: Anderson Ribeiro (Tarxien R)

TMI top three: 1. A. Ribeiro 2. T. Caruana 3. G. Calabretta