CHRIS CASSAR

Qormi are the new sole leaders after their five star performance yesterday against former leaders Tarxien. Qormi who had to play for an hour with a man less, took sweet revenge over their opponents who had beaten them 5-0 in the U*BET FA Trophy.

But it was a completely different story yesterday as the yellows led by former Tarxien coach Jesmond Zerafa, dominated from start to finish to inflict the first defeat on the Rainbows. Striker Chima Dozie was in splendid form and was surely the best player on the field of play.

But other players like Joseph Farrugia and Anatole Debono played their hearts out in midfield. Other players who played a good match for Qormi were Paul Camilleri, Camoin and goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia who was perfect in his handling.

Tarxien’s first defeat came after a dismal performance especially in defence. In midfield Mbong failed to get the right memento to the team, who lacked punch up front with players like Shead and Buhagiar having an off-day.

League leaders Tarxien created the first danger on six minutes when Steve Sadowski blasted over the bar a Ryan Grech freekick that was partially saved by goalkeeper Farrugia. Qormi hit back with a good Kurt Zammit cross towards Chima Dozie whose header was well saved by Curmi.

Qormi’s Anatole Debono tried his luck from the edge of the area but his effort went inches wide. On 30 minutes Qormi took the lead with a breath-taking move between Joseph Farrugia and Carmel Formosa with the former firing in the top corner of the net after his first attempt was well saved by Curmi.

Five minutes later Qormi were dealt a severe blow when they lost defender Kurt Zammit who was ejected after receiving his second booking. But Tarxien failed to capitalise as sixty seconds later Qormi scored their second goal when Chima Dozie beat on the run a rather hesitant Graham Bencini, and scored with a low shot after dribbling past goalkeeper Curmi.

Tarxien surged forward in the dying stages of the first half as they introduced another striker Decesare for Sadowski. On their part Qormi’s coach Zerafa consolidated his defensive wall with the introduction of Francica for Formosa.

Much more was expected from Tarxien in the second period but their pressure was fruitless against a well organised Qormi defence. Although with a man less Qormi had the better chances with Dozie having a goal disallowed for an offside position. On 66 minutes Qormi scored their third goal when Tarxien defender Manuel Caruana shot into his own net in an attempt to clear a harmless freekick taken by Joseph Farrugia.

On 73 minutes Tarxien managed to pull one back through substitute Andrew Decesare who headed in an Angus Buhagiar cross from the left. But on 90 minutes Qormi scored their fourth and final goal when Chima Dozie was floored by Ramon Schembri and from the resultant penalty Joseph Farrugia obtained his brace with a fierce drive.