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Judging on current form, Tarxien Rainbows pulled a surprise win over Sliema Wanderers to move on the seven-point mark together with Qormi.

By virtue of this win, and the defeat of Hibernians in the other match, only four points separate the first eight teams as the Premier League table becomes more complicated, although leaders Valletta and fourth placed Marsaxlokk have a game in hand.

Despite going down heavily against Valletta, Tarxien coach Coleiro made only one forced change in his starting line-up. In the absence of the injured Everton Pereira, other Brazilian Cristiano Rodriguez was given the nod. Anonam dropped in central defence.

Sliema had defender Beppe Muscat returning after suspension but were bereft of their injured skipper Mark Scerri. Roderick Bajada started the match as Paris was exiled to the bench.

A bright start to the match, was played high on energy but low on precision. Bajada hit a Tarxien defensive clearance from a corner over.

The Rainbows forged ahead after only nine minutes play. Tanti played the ball forward on the right flank to Bueno who crossed deep at the far side for Ricardo Costa to volley in.

Sliema were forced to react. Before the quarter hour, Mifsud Triganza headed Lima’s corner towards the middle but Obiefule headed over the bar.

The Wanderers put a tighter grip on the proceedings as the match progressed and on 39 minutes they levelled matters. Lima’s powerful free kick from the right beat keeper Curmi and as the ball hit the underside of the bar, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza put in the final touch to knock it over the line.

Just before halftime, Sliema made a tactical change. Paris went in for Briffa, with defender Muscat switching from right to left and Gatt Baldacchino dropping to right back.

Sliema again started the second half in lively fashion. Mifsud Triganza played the ball wide to Mintoff who shot narrowly off target.

But Tarxien regained the lead on 51 minutes after a rather chaotic action. Bueno ran in from the left and crossed low for Rodriguez who was blocked by Muscat’s challenge but Rodriguez still managed to pass the ball back to Daniel Bueno who beat keeper Szentpeteri with a curling low shot.

Tarxien almost capitalised on Sliema’s moment of shock. Tanti fired over when put clear by Costa and when Bueno crossed the ball from the byeline on the right, Rodriguez’ free header was blocked by Souare.

Sliema regrouped by the hour and created some good scoring opportunities which could have at least earned them an equaliser. But Lady Luck did not smile on the Wanderers, denied three times by the woodwork. On 63 minutes Mintoff almost surprised the entire Tarxien defence with his cross shot from the left which rebounded off the foot of the post.

And after Lima was foiled by an elastic save from keeper Curmi, substitute Goncalves thumped his shot from the edge of the area against the bar with five minutes remaining.

On the stroke of time, the cross bar again denied Sliema, holding out Mifsud Triganza’s headed effort which deserved a better fate.

Tarxien R

A. Curmi, M. Caruana, R. Costa (S. Hili), C. Dos Santos Rodriguez, S. Pacheco (L. Galea), M. Tanti (R. Grech), L. Vella Critien, O. Anonam, R. Mintoff, D. Bueno, J. Grioli

Coach

N. Coleiro

Sliema W

V. Szentpeteri, J. Briffa (J. Paris), J. Mifsud, S. Souare (V. Goncalves), J. Mintoff (M. Ciantar), J.P. Mifsud Triganza, C. Gatt Baldacchino, J. Lima, O.Obiefule, R. Bajada, B. Muscat

Coach

M. Marlow

Referee

C. Pisani

Asst. refs

E. Spiteri, W. Debattista

4th official

G. Tonna

Scorers

R. Costa 9, J.P. Mifsud Triganza 39, D. Bueno 51

Yellow cards

J.P. Mifsud Triganza, J. Grioli, J. Briffa, C. Rodriguez, M. Bueno, C. Gatt Baldacchino, L. Galea

Player of the match

M. Bueno (Tarxien R)

TMI top 3

1. C. Rodriguez 2. J.P. Mifsud Triganza 3. J. Lima