Two beautiful goals scored in the second half were enough for Tarxien Rainbows to beat a highly determined Lija side and go in second place of the table. It was a deserved victory for the Rainbows, in a rather balanced match, but the two goals scored were a just reward for the technically superior Tarxien side.

For Lija it was a rather disappointing result after their good result against Mqabba, and they are still in a desperate position in the lower part of the table.

Tarxien had a good start going near on eight minutes with the Lija goalkeeper effecting a great a save off an Alan Tabone shot. Ten minutes later Simon Shead dribbled past two defenders but his grounder missed the base of the upright.

After this initial difficult period, Lija got more into the game taking hold of the midfield sector. However scoring chances were few, and both goalkeepers had a rather quite morning. Just before the break Lija had a golden opportunity when Michael Gatt passed to the unmarked Nicky Gatt whose shot went inches wide.

The pattern did not change in the second half with both sets facing each other in the midfield sector. However Tarxien forged ahead on 65 minutes when Alan Tabone floated a perfect cross from the right and Simon Shead's flying header found the back of the net.

Lija effected an immediate reaction but they lacked the necessary punch up front, as John Camilleri was not appropriately served. Tarxien found space with some fast breaks, with Simon Shead missing the second goal when well served by Grech.

Five minutes from time Tarxien sealed the issue when Alan Tabone, one of his side's best, scored beautifully direct from a free-kick.