St Patrick 3

Marsa 1

St Patrick scored two late goals to snatch a decisive win in the bottom part of the table.

The result condemns Marsa to Second Division football next season. The Saints are not safe yet but could put their minds at rest this afternoon if promotion aspirants Mosta beat or draw with relegation worried Mellieha.

St Patrick were the better side yesterday and fully deserved their victory.

After a good start from the Saints, Marsa took the lead on 22 minutes when Warren Chircop beat a couple of defenders before shooting low into the net.

St Patrick had an immediate reaction and obtained the equaliser five minutes later through a Chris Grech header, after Simon Zerafa had hit the post.

In the second half St Patrick dominated the game with the Marsa goalkeeper doing some stunning saves. Doda hit another post for the Saints who forged ahead through a dubious penalty five minutes from time.

From the penalty spot Thomas Caruana made no mistake and in stoppage time the same Thomas Caruana sealed Marsa’s fate by scoring a beauty in the top corner of the net for the Saints’ third and final goal.

* * *

Vittoriosa S 0

Tarxien R 3

Tarxien Rainbows made a bold step towards a Premiership berth when they beat a spirited Vittoriosa side by three second half goals.

Vittoriosa played a gallant game and only threw in the towel in the dying minutes of the match when they suffered two late goals for a very harsh result.

Tarxien found the going hard without midfield supremo Essien Mbong. An intuitional change by coach Coleiro at the start of the second half paved the way for the Rainbows’ victory.

Substitute Melvin Pisani shot home with his first touch of the ball on 46 minutes.

Vittoriosa pushed the Rainbows in their own half but the league leaders marshalled by an elegant Manuel Caruana held well.

Late in the game Angus Buhagiar and John Paul Muscat scored the other goals for Tarxien to put them one step away from the Premier.