Mqabba one step away from Premier football

Tarxien R 0

Mqabba 0

Mqabba earned a precious point against direct challengers Tarxien Rainbows, to keep a three point advantage in second place. Now they only need a mere point in their last encounter against St Patrick to make sure of a place in the Premier League next season.

The best of the match came in the first half where Tarxien produced some good football, but splendid saves by Mqabba goalkeeper Calleja kept Mqabba in the game. In the second half Mqabba played better and took the necessary precautions to keep their opponents under control to obtain a deserved and fundamental draw.

Tarxien were the better team in the first half going near after only two minutes through a Ryan Darmanin header. Alan Tabone started his splendid performance testing Calleja from the edge of the area.

On 18 minutes Mqabba had their first attempt at goal when John Paul Muscat, well served by Briffa, outstepped an opponent before firing at goal only to be denied by a splendid Curmi save.

On 21 minutes minutes Tarxien went very close with a Manuel Caruana effort following an Alan Tabone freekick, but goalkeeper Kris Calleja stretched himself to save a certain goal. From the resultant corner-kick Alan Tabone’s header did beat Calleja, but Edric Borg saved his side when he cleared off the goal-line.

Just before the break Edric Borg missed a glorious chance when he failed to score in front of goal.

In the second half Mqabba came to grips with their opponents first half aggression, and the match resulted in a balanced one.

Vittoriosa S 2

Naxxar L 2

Vittoriosa and Naxxar gained a point sharing four goals in an interesting match. Vittoriosa forged ahead on ten minutes when Silvan Privitelli shot home from close range. However Naxxar equalised 12 minutes later through an Anizoba lob.

In the second half Vittoriosa showed the better ideas with Anywanna and Sciberras having shots cleared from the goal line. On their part Naxxar missed a glorious chance through Matthew Spiteri Gonzi.

Six minutes from time substitute Ivan Zammit put Vittoriosa once again in the lead after a fine solo run. Naxxar made a desperate late rally to save the match. Matthew Spiteri Gonzi hit the crossbar, and three minutes from time they obtained a deserved equaliser when Anizobe scored his second with a header.