Marsaxlokk 2

Tarxien R 2

This battle of the basement finished with honours even, although a point apiece hardly changes anything for either Tarxien Rainbows or Marsaxlokk.

The Rainbows may feel aggrieved that they failed to take full points for all their first half dominance richly deserved and surrendered a two-goal first half lead to an improved Marsaxlokk side in the second.

Marsaxlokk are still rooted at the bottom of the Premier League standings and deeply embroiled in the relegation fight. But against Tarxien yesterday there were at least some signs that things might be about to improve. It was their first point in eight matches.

Marsaxlokk were bereft of the suspended Modesto Valeriani and the injured Jonathan Xerri in defence and gave starts to Patrick Borg and Kevin Polidano. The latter was also injured after 23 minutes and forced to be substituted by Craig Debattista.

Tarxien had already taken the lead after seven minutes, when upon Costa’s cross from the left, Karl Pulo was allowed space to head the ball in from close range.

Tarxien showed superiority throughout the first 45 minutes and twice went close to increasing their lead within the first half hour.

Costa’s powerful free kick from the edge of the area was saved by keeper Cassar into a corner on the quarter hour.

Then Galea’s cross shot from the left rebounded off the post, the ball fell to Mayasi but he hesitated too long and was blocked into a corner.

On 38 minutes Pulo laid the ball towards Grioli whose powerful shot was saved by keeper Cassar to keep his side into the match.

Tarxien however deservingly scored their second on the stroke of halftime. Jimmy Mayasi picked Costa’s pass, advanced on the right and beat the Marsaxlokk keeper with a low diagonal shot.

Marsaxlokk looked a transformed side after the interval, with the introduction of Nigerian forward Peter Oladotun for Jermain Brincat.

They immediately pulled one back after three minutes, when Galea fouled Stoskovic inside the Tarxien area to win a penalty which Trevor Templeman tucked away.

Marsxlokk regrouped and Oladotun tried to sidestep the ball on Farrugia’s pass but keeper Vella saved.

Tarxien, who had lost much of their early gloss, summoned some effort. On 56 minutes

Mayasi shot wastefully wide after good work by Costa from the right and on the hour Costa himself went close with his rising shot.

Substitute Julian Vella’s whipping free kick from the right was cleared by Pedroza, only for Marsaxlokk to draw level on 68 minutes.

Oladotun provided the cross from the right and Alex Pedrozo beat Pereira before shooting past keeper Vella.

Tarxien put in Daniel Bueno after a long absence but to Marsaxlokk fell the better chance to win the game. On 78 minutes keeper Vella rushed out to block Pedrozo’s shot into a corner and in the late stages, Stoskovic fluffed good chance, shooting wide and high.

With one minute remaining, Tarxien had Justin Grioli sent off for a tackle on Caruana.

Marsaxlokk C. Cassar, P. Borg, J. Brincat (P. Oladotun), C. Brincat, K. Polidano (C. Debattista), T. Templeman, N. Stoskovic, J.P. Farrugia, G. Caruana, I. Kurtusic, A. Pedrozo

Coach A. Cremona

Tarxien R N. Vella, C. Mamo, E. Pereira, A. Carabott (D. Bueno), R. Costa, J. Nzinga Mayasi, K. Pulo (W. Zerafa), O. Anonam, R.

Mintoff, L. Galea (J. Vella), J. Grioli

Coach P. Curmi

Referee T. Farrugia Cann

Asst.refs E. Spiteri, C. Francalanza

4th official C. Lautier

Scorers K. Pulo 7, J. Mayasi 45, T. Templeman 48 pen, A. Pedrozo 68

Yellow cards O. Anonam, C. Mamo, I. Kurtusic, P. Oladotun

Red card J. Grioli

Player of the match Ricardo Costa (Tarxien R)

TMI top 3 1. R. Costa 2. C. Cassar 3. P. Oladotun