Balzan Y 1

Tarxien R. 3

Tarxien Rainbows did not set any houses on fire but completed the job against Balzan Youths to qualify for the second round of the U Bet FA Trophy without much trouble.

Both teams appeared slightly apprehensive at first with scoring chances at a premium. Tarxien had a glorious opportunity to go ahead on seven minutes when Calabretta raced away but after dribbling past two defenders his effort was blocked for a corner.

Tarxien forged deservedly ahead after 12 minutes when a cross by Costa found De Oliveira who smashed a beautiful volley past a hapless Tabone. Balzan reacted with a move between Uchenna and Ciscaldi with the latter’s shot well saved by Cassar. On 27 minutes, Grech had a fine shot which was saved for a corner by Tabone.

The Rainbows continued creating chances and on the half hour Costa’s point blank header was cleared off the line by Conceicao. But on 34 minutes, the inevitable arrived when Dos Santos Rodrigues headed home from a Mark Tanti corner. In first half stoppage time, Balzan were given a new lease of life when Mintoff felled Meilak in the box with Uchenna coolly converting the penalty.

On 49 minutes, Costa had a fine header which went just wide and on 56 minutes, Tarxien restored their two goal lead when a corner by Calabretta found Pereira who headed past Tabone. Another chance went begging on 65 minutes when Costa headed towards an empty net but Agius managed to clear off the line.