Tarxien Rainbows continued with their winning streak under the guidance of Steve D’Amato when in the first match played at the Centenary Stadium they beat fellow strugglers Gudja United by two late goals.

It was a good match with both teams playing offensive football but the respective rearguards were always up to it.

This was an encounter between two teams fighting a relegation battle. Both coaches didn’t have any particular problems with Tarxien welcoming back from suspension Eduardo Rosado.

In the first round match between the two neighbouring villages Gudja emerged easy winners in a match which they dominated by a 5-0 scoreline.

Gudja were the first team to venture forward and on 12 minutes a Justin Grioli shot from the edge of the area was turned onto a corner by Fernandes

Tarxien responded on 23 minutes when Kooh Sohna took hold of the ball following a short back pass and after advancing towards goal, with only Zammit to beat his shot was blocked by the Gudja goalkeeper.

On the half hour off a Darren Falzon corner a headed effort by Matthew Tabone landed on the roof of the net. And on the other end Mensah tested Fernandes with a low drive but the Portugese goalkeeper saved.

On 32 minutes Darren Falzon once again supplied a cross which was perfectly met by Plut’s header but the Rainbows attacker was unlucky when the ball hit the crossbar.

Eight  minutes from the end of the first half James Brincat fired a diagonal shot from the edge of the area which Fernandes saved.

Just past the hour a Pankatican free kick was splendidly palmed over the bar by a brave Fernandes. And three minutes later Kooh Sohna blasted over the bar when well positioned. And in the 69th minute a long range shot by Darren Falzon ended just off the upright.

Nine minutes from the end Fernandes once again rescued his side saving at point blank a Grioli shot.

But a minute from the end of the match Tarxien found the net when off a Zarate corner from the left side Filho Conceicio headed into the corner of the net.

And deep into stoppage time the Rainbows sealed the issue when Vito Plut converted from the spot after the same player was brought down by Bolanos.

 Photo: Domenic Aquilina