Tarxien Rainbows wasted their last slim hopes of fighting for promotion when they were held by a spirited and fighting San Gwann side.

San Gwann, who are practically doomed for second division football next season, gave a very good account of themselves, especially in the first half. Tarxien without their playmaker Alan Tabone, came back strongly in the second half, but failed to score the winner. All in all, the result can be considered as a fair one, even though both sides were disappointed with the point earned.

San Gwann dominated the early stages with Stajic and especially Mauro Brincat in the limelight. Brincat was dangerous with a spectacular overhead kick and a freekick that was well saved by Curmi.

Tarxien found it hard to settle down even though they had a good chance on 12 minutes but Omar Grech shot straight into the onrushing goalkeeper. On 15 minutes San Gwann took a deserved lead when Mauro Brincat’s well executed freekick finished in the top corner of the net.

After this setback, Tarxien started to come to grips with their opponents and went close with a Darmanin header and a Simon Shead solo effort that was saved by Spiteri.

The second half started with San Gwann close to the second goal with a Miguel Francica header going slightly over the bar.

On 51 minutes Tarxien obtained the equaliser when Ryan Darmanin chested the ball for Simon Shead who slotted the ball home.

This goal was goal turned the match completely in favour of the Rainbows who started to dominate and create scoring chances.

San Gwann goalkeeper Justin Spiteri effected a string of brilliant saves off shots by Francica, Shead and Michael Micallef.

On 75 minutes Tarxien were unlucky when from an Okoro cross from the right Simon Shead’s header slammed against the upright.

Tarxien tried their last desperate attempts in the dying minutes, but San Gwann were more dangerous in their fast breaks with Francica again going near with another header.

Hamrun trash Naxxar to move closer to promotion

Hamrun S 6

Naxxar L 0

As was expected Hamrun Spartans easily beat bottom placed Naxxar Lions to move closer to a quick return among the elite.

The final score was never in doubt especially after Hamrun took the lead, but the Lions gave a very good account of themselves especially in the opening stages where they could have easily taken the lead. However the league leaders, who were without star striker Steve Meilak, were in a class of their own in the second half and this seventh consecutive victory could have even been by a larger margin.

Bottom placed Naxxar started the match on a high note and could have easily taken the lead after only two minutes when the Hamrun defence was caught napping and Simon Muscat, face to face with Falzon, failed to beat the Hamrun custodian.

The same Muscat was again dangerous on 17 minutes with a long range effort that went slightly off target.

The Spartans were not at their best, but still went close with a Ryan Fenech freekick and a Sultana header.

On 26 minutes Simon Muscat was again Naxxar’s danger man when he beat the Hamrun defenders and the goalkeeper’s sortie but his header missed the target by inches.

A minute later Hamrun went ahead with a rather soft goal when Gaetan Spiteri nipped in to head a harmless cross by Stefan Sultana. Naxxar could have obtained an immediate equaliser when Magri passed to the unmarked Simon Muscat who shot incredibly wide when all alone in front of goal.

Just before the half time whistle Hamrun put their minds at rest when from a Sultana cross, Gaetan Spiteri headed home from close range.

Hamrun’s start to the second half was impressive to say the least scoring two quick goals to kill off all their opponents’ hope of a recovery.

On 46 minutes Neville Galea did all the running on the left flank and crossed to Gaetan Spiteri who easily planted the ball home from four metres. Ten minutes later Hamrun scored their fourth goal with Gaetan Spiteri rounding off the goalkeeper and Evano Briffa finishing off in style.

Hamrun Spartans continued to show some very good football, missing a lot in front of goal. On 70 minutes a Rupert Mangion dipper skimmed the crossbar. In the dying minutes Hamrun added two further goals. On 89 minutes Gaetan Spiteri passed to Rupert Mangion who beat the Naxxar goalkeeper with a good diagonal shot.

In injury time veteran Stefan Sultana crowned an excellent performance when he rocketed home from the edge of the area for the sixth and final goal.