The highlight of the latest round of matches from the 2012-13 FXDD Premier League, played last week, was undoubtedly Friday’s clash between championship pace-setters and reigning champions Balzan FC and emerging side Tarxien Rainbows.
The Rainbows have been making steady progress lately in their bid to seek a berth in the top-four Championship Play-offs.
They are currently four points behind fourth-placed Lija Athletic with a game in hand.
Balzan opened well and scored barely a few seconds from kick-off through Cosmin Anton. Tarxien, however, regained composure to get more into the picture and level the score through Gabriel Dobre just before half-time.
The equilibrium was maintained throughout the second half with both teams cancelling each other out. Balzan then regained the lead through Basil Emeka but the Rainbows’ determination was awarded when Dobre levelled the score once again.
The game finished 2-2, with Balzan retaining their unbeaten record but forfeiting two precious points in their close tie with Hibernians for the top spot.
Also last week, Hibernians swept aside a poor Valletta side, 11-1.
The Paolites were again led by inspirational Bulgarian Boicho Marev who scored four goals.
Aaron Camilleri scored the only goal for the Citizens. Incidentally, his was the opening goal of the match before Hibs took control.
Meanwhile, third-placed Żejtun Corinthians kept the pace with the leading duo as they snatched three hard-earned points from a revitalised Floriana side.
Corinthians captain Jesmond Micallef grabbed the winner in the final minutes of the game.
Floriana showed signs of improvement over their previous performances and with more cohesion they could have avoided leaving the Corradino Pavilion empty-handed.
In another match from the top flight, Lija demolished a demoralised St Andrew’s Luxol side 17-0 to keep an edge over their closest rivals Tarxien, with both teams battling for a slot in the play-offs.
St Andrew’s Luxol continue to struggle and face a relegation tussle with Valletta in an attempt to retain their status in the FXDD Premier League.
Fixtures
Today: 20.00 Sliema Wanderers vs Hibernians; 21.30 Valletta vs Ħamrun Spartans.
Friday: KO SFs 20.00 Balzan vs Ħamrun; 21.30 Floriana vs Hibs.
Standings
Balzan (10-4-0) 34; Hibernians (10-3-0) 33; Żejtun (9-3-2) 30; Lija (8-3-3) 27; Tarxien (7-2-4) 23; Floriana (4-2-8) 14; Sliema (4-1-8) 13; Valletta (2-2-9) 8; St Andrew’s (1-4-8) 7; Ħamrun (0-0-13) 0.