Bottom placed St Andrew’s sprang a surprise yesterday when they managed to hold promotion aspirants Tarxien to a 1-1 draw. The point earned by the Saints was a deserved one, with the Rainbows displaying a well below par performance.

Tarxien who were also blocked by the Saints in the first round, and still smarting from their disappointing defeat against San Gwann in their last outing, missed a golden opportunity to go in second place and keep in touch with run-away leaders St George’s

After only 60 seconds Tarxien went close with a Saliba header, with the Saints hitting back with a Micallef pass to Michael Borg Olivier who shot wide. Camenzuli who was included in the first eleven headed over the bar following a well taken freekick by Tabone.

On 18 minutes St Andrew’s took the lead when Anthony Galea passed to Michael Borg Olivier whose shot found the back of the net. Tarxien made an immediate reaction with a Shead header cleared off the line by Adrian Galea. However the Rainbows equalised on 32 minutes when Alan Tabone scored a beauty from the edge of the area.

In the second half Tarxien were constantly on the offensive but the Saints were dangerous in their breaks.On the hour St Andrew’s had a good scoring opportunity when Adrian Galea dribbled past goalkeeper Cardona and crossed to Michael Borg Olivier who shot wide.

Tarxien’s best chance came to Tabone whose shot was blocked and from the rebound Farrugia blasted high. Michael Borg Olivier finished an impressive run with a shot missing the base of the upright. In stoppage time Michael Borg Olivier was sent off after his second bookable offence.

Mqabba 1

Senglea A. 2

Senglea obtained a double on Mqabba, as they scored a later winner through striker Kenneth Abela to get back with an outside chance for promotion.

With St George’s in commanding position, Mqabba, Tarxien, and Marsa, are now joined by Senglea for the second available spot. And with many direct clashes still in programme, anything can still happen in the coming weeks.

For Mqabba who welcomed back Anywanna, but were without the services of Marlon Briffa, this was an unexpected setback.

The match was very balanced and maybe a draw would have been a fairer result, but Senglea had the last laugh with Kenneth Abela’s header again decisive, after the same player scored the winner last week in similar fashion against St Patrick.

Anthony Gera had the first shot at goal on four minutes but goalkeeper Calleja saved well. A minute later Mqabba were in the lead when Anywanna crossed from the left flank and John Paul Muscat first-timed beautifully in the corner of the net.

Senglea’s reaction was effective as Mqabba had to defend for long stretches as Senglea with Abela and Borg kept the Mqabba defenders under pressure. On 21 minutes a Darren Grech freekick missed the crossbar.

On 25 minutes Senglea obtained a deserved equaliser when they were awarded a penalty for a handling infringement, and from the penalty spot Simon Aquilina sent Calleja the wrong way.

Mqabba stormed forward in search of a new lead and John Paul Muscat had a shot cleared off the line by Simon Aquilina, after a defective sortie by goalkeeper Attard. Attard made amends minutes later blocking a fierce drive from Muscat.

The second half was less intense with Mqabba having the edge over their opponents.

On the hour Mqabba missed a sitter when Senglea goalkeeper Attard failed to grasp a harmless cross by Anywanna, but Keith Mallia failed to score with an open goal at his mercy.

On 67 minutes Anywanna showed all his speed and skills making his way inside the area, but blasted high with only Attard to beat.

With ten minutes to go Senglea scored the winner when a Darren Grech cross from midfield found Kenneth Abela completely unmarked and his header completely deceived goalkeeper Calleja, who failed to block.

Mqabba’s last efforts proved fruitless as Senglea notched their second consecutive win to regain slight promotion hopes.