SLIEMA WANDERERS 2 TARXIEN RAINBOWS 0

The Wanderers striker Michael Mifsud netted Sliema’s opener in a hard-fought win over Tarxien Rainbows.

The early exchanges belong to Sliema but they failed to translate their supremacy into goals as their final pass was often poor. Tarxien were offering very little going forward but, in their first significant foray into the opponents’ half they almost broke the deadlock. On 18 minutes, Carlos Hevia angled a dipping shot towards goal with the ball coming off the crossbar.

Tarxien soon reclaimed the initiative after the break. A quick move unlocked the Sliema defence as Cleber sprinted forward before releasing a low drive which did not trouble Glenn Zammit.

Four minutes later, on the other side, Martinelli played in Bocar whose central shot was tipped over the bar by Sean Mintoff.

Tarxien’s reprieve was temporary as Sliema took the lead past the hour mark. Mifsud raced clear of his marker before scooping a swerving shot from the D that bent away from Mintoff’s despairing dive.

In the 77th minute, Mifsud was left to rue their ill-luck as he hit the goal frame after being sent through by Gnabouyou.

Moments later, Caruana was first to Hevia’s set-piece cross but his header was just wide as the Rainbows narrowly missed the equaliser. But soon after found themselves 2-0 down after Fabia Mangiacasale’s incursion into the box, laid bare their defensive frailties before beating Mintoff with a low shot.

Just before the final whistle, Mifsud was treated to a standing ovation as he made way for Clive Psaila.

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