Qormi 2
Tarxien 0
Qormi obtained a double over Tarxien Rainbows to join the same Tarxien in second place behind league leaders Mosta. For Tarxien this was the second consecutive blow after their defeat against St. George's.
The match which was a drab affair till 15 minutes from time, sprang to life after Qormi's first goal. Tarxien attacked with all their might to save the match but Qormi defended well and scored the second goal near the end to close the match.
This much awaited match was very poor in the first 45 minutes with no shots at goal. Both teams concentrated their efforts in midfield with Tarxien having a slight edge over their opponents.
Qormi had Carmel Formosa missing with Michael Borg Olivier and Ihebulu as their main strikers. However both strikers never threatened the Tarxien rearguard.
On 41 minutes Tarxien had the only chance of the first half when John Paul Muscat received a long ball from defence, dribbled past defender Francica, but found Matthew Farrugia in his way who blocked his point blank shot.
On the resumption Qormi had their first attempt at goal when Joseph Farrugia's shot slightly missed the base of the upright. Minutes later Tarxien were dealt a severe blow when John Paul Muscat limped off injured.
On 65 minutes Essiem Mbong tried his luck from the edge of the area but the ball sailed over the bar. Fifteen minutes from time Tarxien goalkeeper Curmi made the best save of the match when he dived to save a scorcher from Anatole Debono.
Two minutes later Qormi took the lead when Michael Borg Olivier headed in a good Clyde Camoin freekick from the right. Tarxien pushed everything forward and were unlucky some minutes when they missed a glorious chance in front of goal. Angus Buhagiar's cross shot deceived the Qormi goalkeeper but was cleared off the line by Francica, the ball came towards Mbong who was denied by Matthew Farrugia's save and from the rebound Matthew Borg missed a sitter with an open goal at his mercy.
Tarxien continued to attack in the final minutes with the Qormi goalkeeper saving his side with a splendid save off another Buhagiar cross shot.
On 90 minutes Qormi doubled the score with a well executed counter attack, with Joseph Farrugia passing to Carmel Formosa who slotted home from close range to seal the issue.
Senglea Ath. 0
Dingli S. 4
Promoted Dingli Swallows continued their impressive towards the higher positions in the table with a demolishing win over once favourites Senglea Athletics. Senglea, in a free fall descent were only in the game in the first half an hour until they suffered an unlucky own goal that paved the way to Dingli's handsome and convincing victory.
From then onwards Dingli dominated their opponent s and could have even won by a bigger margin. Jeremy Agius and the ever improving Chris Ciappara were a span above the rest, whilst hard working midfielder Rodrick Spiteri covered acres of ground to lead his side to yet another victory that now puts them in fourth place.
The first half was played at a very slow pace. Anthony Ewurun had a good chance on ten minutes but the Dingli goalkeeper saved his close range effort. Minutes later Dingli's Jeremy Agius tested Attard with a rising shot from well outside the area.
Although Senglea had more of the ball, Dingli were more dangerous in their attacks. Ciappara received from Jeremy Agius but his shot went over the bar. On 30 minutes Dingli took the lead when Senglea defender Daniel Cosaitis beat his own goalkeeper in an attempt to anticipate Ciappara who was served by Spiteri. Dingli continued to insist missing two good chances from Agius and Ciappara.
On 39 minutes Jeremy Agius was well served by Ciappara but his grounder slightly missed the base of the upright. Three minutes from the break Dingli doubled the score when Kurt Formosa's short corner came towards Rodrick Spiteri who fired home with the ball hitting the crossbar before finishing at the back of the net.
The second half was a one-way traffic affair especially after the second off of Digger Okonkwo who was sent off for a nasty foul on Chris Ciappara. From the resultant freekick taken by Fabio Cauchi, Jeremy Agius crossed towards Anywanna who beat a helpless George Attard in the Senglea goal.
Dingli could have easily added further goals as they missed some easy chances with Anywanna and Chris Ciappara. However three minutes from time Dingli scored their fourth and final goal when substitute Christian Tabone scored from close range following a good Anywanna pass.