Marsaxlokk 0

Tarxien Rainbows 2

Tarxien easily surpassed a dejected Marsaxlokk side, who are now doomed to relegation, with a goal in each half in a boring encounter at the Victor Tedesco Stadium

The Rainbows were hoping to return to winning ways as they took on wooden-spoonists Marsaxlokk in a clash between the bottom two teams.

The Rainbows won two and lost two in the four matches from the Relegation Pool and lie second from bottom on 15 points, just one behind Mosta and Mqabba and after suffering a narrow 1-2 defeat to Hamrun, they were all out to claim the three points from this match.

Marsaxlokk lost 13 out of the last 14 matches. Avoiding relegation now seems to be an unsurmountable task after losing heavily the last three matches in which they suffered no less than 14 goals. Additionally, Marsaxlokk were docked three points for not honouring a disciplinary decision which has made them almost certain relegation candidates. They are now 12 points adrift of the same Tarxien Rainbows in the standings with just five matches to go.

Both sides were at full strength with no players injured or suspended.

On nine minutes, de Castro had a good shot which was well saved by Cassar with his feet. On 16 minutes, Tarxien had their first chance when a cross by Mayasi found Carabott who headed just wide from close range.

Tarxien took the lead on the 18th minute when Mayasi passed to Pulo who made no mistake concluding from close range. Marsaxlokk were obviously demotivated and failed to react. On 31 minutes, Mamo crossed to Carabott who saw his shot end up just wide as Tarxien continued dominating proceedings.

On 48 minutes, Tarxien again came close when a corner by Anonam found de Castro who headed wide. On 54 minutes, Pulo released Carabott who saw his shot end up just wide as Tarxien controlled the game with ease.

The Rainbows put the game beyond Marsaxlokk’s reach on 72 minutes when Scerri handled on the line with the referee pointing to the spot. Costa made no mistake from the spot with Scerri also receiving his marching orders leaving the Southseasiders down to 10 men.

Tarxien ought to have made it three on 76 minutes when Bueno and Carabott exchanged the ball with the former attempting a cunning lob which was tipped over for a corner by Cassar.

Marsaxlokk FC: C Cassar, M Valeriani (L Agius), S Borg, J Brincat, C Brincat, S Eboh (G Caruana), J Xerri, JP Farrugia, P T Oladatun (D Attard), T Templeman, A C Pedrozo

Tarxien Rainbows FC: N G Vella, C Mamo, M Caruana, E A Pereira, A Carabott, J N Mayasi (R Costa), K Pulo (J Vella), D M Bueno, L R De Castro, O Anonam, J Grioli

Referee: M Spiteri

Scorers: Pulo 18’, R Costa (pen) 72’

Yellow cards: Eboh S, Anonam, Valeriani, Caruana

Red Cards: Scerri (Marsaxlokk)

BOV Player of the Match: A Carabott (Tarxien Rainbows)