Tarxien gained some momentum when in the first match played on Saturday afternoon at the National Stadium they beat Sirens by a 3-1 margin. It was a well deserved win for the Rainbows who can now start believing that they can make it to avoid the drop once again, though it will be no easy task.

As for Sirens they still remain in mid-table position on 25 points though they can never relax given that they are just five points above the relegation zone.

The St. Paul’s Bay outfit were coming from two consecutive wins against Sliema Wanderers and Floriana. On the other hand Tarxien had lost their last three games at the expense of Gzira United, Hibernians and Lija Athletic.

The first round match between these two sides ended in a 2-2 draw.

Tarxien Rainbows were the first to venture forward and had a first chance on goal in the 19^th minute when Eduardo Rosado tried a volley which was saved by the Sirens goalkeeper.

They continued to do all the early running and few minutes later a low drive by Ivan Paz ended wide off the mark. And on 40 minutes it was Daren Falzon’s turn to try a shot from the edge of the area which missed the target.

Sirens responded through Wilfried Domoraud who had the last chance of the first half but was denied by Jurgen Borg.

Tedesco’s boys started the second half brighter with Hamed Kone heading towards Borg but his shot finished just over the bar.

But it was Tarxien Rainbows who were rewarded for their earlier efforts when in the 51^st minute they drew first blood. Edison Bilbao Zarate played a perfect ball towards Leozinho Ferreira with the latter slotting the ball past a helpless Elezaj. 

Sirens replied instantly and it had to be a brave save by goalkeeper Borg who denied Samba Tounkara. And it was not to be Sirens day as Tarxien doubled their lead in the 58^th minute. A long throw by Escobar found Leozinho Ferreira with the Brazilian lobbing the ball over the Sirens goalkeeper.

The Rainbows were now  in cruise control and they sealed the issue in the 62^nd minute. Zarate was brought down in the area by goalkeeper Elezaj and from the spot Vito Plut converted his sixth goal of the campaign.

Tarxien had the chance to inflict more misery on Sirens when a minute from the end they were awarded another penalty. With Vito Plut being replaced by Zahra few minutes earlier up came Ivan Paz but missed from the spot.

And in stoppage time came Sirens consolation goal scored by Lamin Bittaye.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina