Tarxien R 3

Hamrun S 1

Second against third in the table, with only one point seperating them before kick-off, it was always going to be a gripping game between Tarxien Rainbows and Hamrun Spartans.

Two quick goals, within one hunded and five seconds from the start of the match by Daniel Bueno, one of the fastest brace in local football history, gave Tarxien Rainbows the most advantageous start.

That forced Hamrun Spartans to climb an uphill task, but, to their credit, the Spartans fought gallantly and held the initiative for long periods, with the Rainbows forced to defend grimly.

Hamrun reduced the arrears towards the hour and two minutes from time the woodwork denied them a merited equaliser, only for Tarxien to hit the third, deep into added time, and make up for the first round defeat by the same scoreline.

The latecomers had hardly taken their seat when, with 23 seconds on the clock, Daniel Bueno chased a Vella Critien through ball inside the Hamrun area and beat keeper Borg with a diagonal shot.

And just over a minute later, Bueno again beat the Hamrun offside trap, off a Tanti flick, to beat keeper Borg for a second time in less than as many minutes.

Hamrun’s defence was supposed to be boosted with the return after suspension of Hrubsa and Roderick Fenech, but was rendered flimsy and vulnerable by those two early goals.

Hamrun had to give in something. With Pereira and Anizoba foraging down the flanks, Gaetan Spiteri and the advanced Massimo Grima operated in the middle, trying to connect to the crosses.

Ryan Fenech retreated deep in midfield, alongside David Camilleri.

Tarxien soon handed the initiative to the Spartans, who had Grima the most menacing in the first quarter hour.

He had earlier fired a free kick over the bar and on 11 minutes his shot took a wicked deflection into a corner. From the ensuing Camilleri inswinging flag kick, keeper Cassar had to clear off the line.

On 14 minutes, Grima went tantalisingly close with his header on a Pereira cross from the left.

Tarxien kept their opponents well under check, closing the gaps, with Ryan Mintoff and Manuel Caruana in front of the defence, in the absence of the suspended Orosco Anonam.

Hamrun in fact threatened again three minutes before the break. Ryan Fenech’s free kick was palmed out by keeper Cassar and when Camilleri’s shot at goal was blocked, a goalmouth scramble ensued until Tarxien could clear the danger.

With Hamrun throwing everything forward after the restart, there was always the danger that they would leave gaps at the back, which Tarxien could exploit.

Seven minutes into the second half, Pachecho played a through ball to Rodriguez, who played the ball wide to Tanti, missing the target.

On the other end, Anizoba’s deep cross was headed down by Grima towards Spiteri who failed to conclude.

Shortly after, keeper Cassar stretched himself to hold out a dangerous Pereira grounder as Hamrun were playing with more vigour.

Tarxien were still dangerous on the break though. On 56 minutes Rodriguez set Bueno, who advanced but shot wide.

Deservingly, Hamrun pulled themselves back into the match short of the hour. Bonnici’s cross from the right was deflected off a Tarxien defender’s head and fell to Massimo Grima who headed in.

Hamrun kept up the initiative and wasted two good opportunities through Pereira and Anizoba.

Tarxien could have wrapped it up on 65 minutes but a Bueno effort, following another goalmouth scramble inside the Hamrun area, was held out by keeper Borg on the goal line.

It was still anybody’s game for the last quarter hour. Bonnici shot over the bar and Pacheco was stopped by Bonnici’s timely tackle.

Hamrun should have drawn level two minutes from time through their best player Grima. Pereira laid the ball in his path and the midfielder let loose one of his drilling shots, which took a deflection off a Tarxien defender and rebounded against the upright.

That surely deserved a better fate and would have been a dramatic finish.

There was still time however for Tarxien to score their third with three minutes of added time. Pacheco took a free kick on the edge of the area and substitute Ricardo Costa headed past the helpless Borg.

Tarxien R: D. Cassar, M. Caruana (S. Sadowski), E. Pereira, C. Rodriguez, S. Pacheco, M. Tanti (S. Hili), D. Bueno (R. Costa), L. Vella Critien, R. Mintoff, L. Galea, J. Grioli

Coach: N. Coleiro

Hamrun S: O. Borg, S. Bonnici, M. Hrubsa, J. Vukanic, Roderick Fenech, M. Grima, D. Camilleri, Ryan Fenech, M. Pereira, G. Spiteri, P. Anizoba

Coach: S. D’Amato

Referee: M. Borg

Asst refs: P. Agius, M. Mercieca

4th official: T. Farrugia Cann

Scorers: D. Bueno 1, 2, M. Grima 59, R. Costa 90

Yellow cards: M. Bueno, J. Grioli, M. Caruana, P. Anizoba, J. Vukanic

Player of the match: L. Vella Critien (Tarxien R)

TMI top 3: 1. M. Grima 2. D. Camilleri 3. L. Vella Critien

Attendance: 770