A Simon Shead goal 15 minutes from time gave Tarxien Rainbows a slender but important victory against St. Patrick. The win lifts the Rainbows to third place, three points behind Mqabba, who however are still favourites having a game in hand.

It was a deserved victory in a rather low profile match which only cane to life in flashes

The match had a very quite start with both defences dominating the attacks, with no shots at goal in the first thirty minutes of the match.

On 31 minutes St Patrick had their first attempt with a Kenneth Abela shot missing the target after some good work by Gordon Failla. Two minutes later Alan Tabone who was returning to the side after missing the last match, went close with a well taken freekick.

Just before the break Tarxien went close again on two occasions. In both cases Alan Tabone provided the dangerous passes. From his first pass Simon Shead was denied by a splendid Cassar save, and in the second instance Stefan Farrugia's first timer slammed against the crossbar.

The second half started with a good St Patrick move, with Brazilino passing to Shaun Magro whose goal-bound shot was brilliantly saved by Cini, who was playing instead of usual goalkeeper Anthony Curmi.

On the hour Ryan Darmanin eluded Fleri Soler's tackle but his shot went inches wide. On the other end substitute Steve Dimech immediately left his mark with a good run on the right, but Costa Brazilino failed to take full advantage hitting over the bar from an ideal position.

On 75 minutes Tarxien scored what proved to be the winner when Simon Shead put through by Tabone, managed to chip the ball over the onrushing St Patrick goalkeeper with the ball finishing at the back of the net.

The Saints dominated the last minutes in search of the equaliser, but their attacks were not productive, with their only danger coming from a Kenneth Abela header that missed the target by inches.