Tarxien Rainbows consolidated their leadership in the First Division League thanks to an easy win over lowly Mellieha.

Without setting any houses on fire Tarxien scored at will against a demotivated Mellieha side. Tarxien were always in full command of the game, but the two-goal burst in one minute midway through the first half paved the way for an easy Tarxien victory.

Tarxien forged ahead on 24 minutes when Angus Buhagiar shot home direct from a freekick.

Sixty seconds later Tarxien were on velvet when Mathhew Borg was floored inside the area by Mark Borg. From the resultant penalty Luke Vella Critien's shot was blocked by the Mellieha goalkeeper but the same Vella Critien made no mistake from the rebound.

Tarxien jostled around with their opponents and a minute before the break they added the third goal when John Paul Muscat did all the running beating a couple of opponents before scoring with a well taken shot.

In the second half Tarxien did not push much, but still were dangerous on the hour with an Angus Buhagiar effort. On 72 minutes Tarxien were reduced to ten men when Luke Vella Critien was sent off for his second yellow card.

This exclusion did not hamper Tarxien's game as they controlled with ease till the final whistle to open a four-lead at the top.

Vittoriosa S 1

Dingli S 3

Dingli Swallows moved to a healthy mid-table position beating Vittoriosa with a late rally. The Stars dominated most of the match but the Dingli goalkeeper kept his opponents at bay with some brilliant saves.

In the second part of the second half Dingli were the better team scoring the two goals that mattered to gain three valuable points that puts them far beyond the relegation worries.

Vittoriosa were the better team in the opening stages with Dingli goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia effecting a good save off an Evi Parker shot. On 16 minutes Keith Darmanin made his way inside the penalty area, with his neat chip saved again by Farrugia.

Five minutes later Dingli made their first attempt towards goal when Fabio Cauchi's first timer was well saved by Cassar. Four minutes later Dingli went close again when Anywanna's shot slightly missed the base of the upright.

On 27 minutes Vittoriosa took the lead when Darmanin's run was blocked by a Dingli defender with the ball going towards Larry Lagana who shot low into the net. Dingli's reaction came eight minutes later with a good effort from Rodrick Spiteri brilliantly saved by Cassar.

Just before the break Vittoriosa went close again with another move by in-form Evi Parker who went past a couple of defenders but was denied by an excellent Farrugia save. In stoppage time Dingli's Anywanna was floored by Johann Spiteri with referee Esther Azzopardi opting for the penalty. Cassar saved Chris Ciappara's first shot, but could do nothing to stop the rebound.

The second half was less intense with Vittoriosa always showing the better ideas. Larry Lagana passed to Evi Parker who sot wide when well placed. On 64 minutes Leighton Grech and Lagana had a good move with the former testing Farrugia in the Dingli goal.

Midway through the second half Dingli took the upper hand in midfield with Spiteri missing an easy chance in front of goal. Fifteen minutes from time Dingli went ahead when Spiteri crossed to Ciappara who from an acute angle curled the ball past Cassar for a well taken goal.

Vittoriosa were completely rattled and failed to make a decent reaction, with Dingli finishing off their opponents ten minutes from time when defender Etienne Farrugia crossed towards Jeremy Agius, and the ex-Valletta striker slammed the ball home.