Tarxien ease past Marsaxlokk

MARSAXLOKK-0, TARXIEN RAINBOWS-2

Tarxien Rainbows dominated their Relegation Pool game against an inept Marsaxlokk side, scoring a goal in each half for a 2-0 win at the Tedesco Stadium.

This straightforward win put Tarxien's survival bid back on track, taking them two points clear of second-from-bottom Mosta and Mqabba who will be in action tomorrow.

Tarxien were the better team in a drab first half in which Marsaxlokk created only one chance.Sixteen minutes from the start had passed when Tarxien threatened to break the deadlock.

Jimmy Mayasi advanced on the right before sending in a cross towards the far post where Adrian Carabott flicked wide.

The Rainbows took the lead on 19 minutes. Carabott hit a through-ball to Mayasi who sped into the box before releasing the unmarked Karl Pulo who tapped home.

The erstwhile subdued Marsaxlokk had a good chance to equalise on 25 minutes.

Jean Paul Farrugia made a good move on the right before sending in a cross that was narrowly missed by Nigerian striker Peter Oladotun. Tarxien quickly regained the upperhand. Bueno headed over from Mamo's cross and, before half-time, the Brazilian hit just wide after being put through by Carabott.

Two minutes into the second half, Tarxien should have sealed the issue when Bueno, profiting from a deflection, passed to Luiz Romulo De Castro but the Brazilian rifled wide.

Anonam then headed over from De Castro's corner as the Rainbows continued to push forward.

Carabott released Pulo who drove wide from a diagonal position.Marsaxlokk coach Anton Cremona was forced into his first substitution after 62 minutes as Sunday Eboh was unable to continue following a clash of heads with Mayasi. Caruana replaced the Nigerian-born midfielder.

Tarxien wrapped up the three points with a second goal 18 minutes from time.

It was a double boost for Tarxien as Marsaxlokk had defender Jonathan Xerri sent off for clearing Anonam's goalbound header with his hands and, from the resultant penalty, Ricardo Costa fired past Christian Cassar.

Cassar then prevented Tarxien from increasing their lead when pushing away Bueno's chip.In the closing stages, Bueno's shot came off the post.

Tarxien winger Carabott was named BOV player of the match.