TARXIEN RAINBOWS-2, NAXXAR LIONS-1
Tarxien Rainbows gained their first win of the season after beating Naxxar Lions 2-1 this afternoon.
Alvaro inspired Tarxien's victory as he scored the first goal and had a hand in the second while Naxxar disappointed for long stretches before making a late reaction.
A low-key first half ended goalless as both teams struggled to create scoring chances.
In the opening two minutes, Tarxien's Wesley tried to surprise Julian Azzopardi from the distance but his shot was off target.
Naxxar's Andrew Scicluna headed wide from Gilmar's free-kick while, at the other end, Triston Caruana's shot was deflected away for a corner.
The game became more entertaining. Surging forward on the counter, Alvaro, released by Wesley's pass, ran into the box but he took a touch too many and was blocked by Julian Azzopardi, the Lions goalkeeper.
It was Naxxar who had the best chance to open the scoring as Gilmar supplied a through-ball to Emenike Mbachy but the Nigerian failed to shoot immediately and was eventually closed down by Alex Cini.
Naxxar were on top now They should have gone ahead when Ibok Edet floated the ball towards Gueye but the Senegalese's goalbound flick was deflected wide of the near post.
In first-half stoppage time, Wesley, roaming near the halfway line, spotted Azzopardi out of goal and produced a delightful chip that sailed over the bar.
Tarxien surged ahead 13 minutes into the second half. Their Brazilians made the difference as Wesley released Jorge, on as a sub, and the latter crossed for Alvaro who lifted the ball into the net at the near post.
The Rainbows doubled their lead on 66 minutes when Naxxar's Mattia Del Negro appeared to turn the ball into his own net from Alvaro's pass but Naxxar reduced the deficit minutes later thanks to Edet's header.
Naxxar staged a late reaction but it was Tarxien who came closest to adding to their lead.
Jorge's sizzling shot from the distance hit the crossbar and Alvaro was denied by Azzopardi who pushed away the Brazilian's curler.
For Naxxar, Gilmar volleyed wide from just outside the box and Daren Falzon was twice off target in the dying stages.