Tarxien Rainbows 2
Bueno 51; Chircop 86;
Marsaxlokk 4
Pedroso 8, 21 Farrugia 17, 25;
Already-relegated Marsaxlokk succeeded to bid ‘adieu’ to the Premier League with a victory, to restore some pride after a dismal season against an out-of-form Tarxien Rainbows.
The Rainbows arrived at the Centernary Stadium already certain of their Premier League status but the early signs were that they would leave the stadium with a whimper.
But with a four-goal salvo, Anton Cremona’s men took their foot off the pedal as Tarxien restored some dignity with two second-half goals.
There was a low-key but defiant atmosphere inside the Centenary Stadium but the southseasiders’ loyal followers were treated to a lively start.
Inside the first seven minutes, Nicky Vella, the Tarxien goalkeeper, fumbled Jean Paul Farrugia’s header with the ball finishing just wide as Marsaxlokk attacked with purpose.
From the ensuing corner, the former Hibs striker rose highest to flick his header over Vella in the Rainbows goal only to see Manuel Caruana clear off the line.
However, Marsaxlokk’s opening goal was not long in coming though as it was an unmarked Alex Cesar Pedorozo who supplied the finish in the eighth minute following a Farrugia delivery.
Tarxien’s defensive vulnerability that dodged Patrick Curmi’s side all season was evident from the start and after 17 minutes, Gary Caruana and Darrel Grech combined to send Farrugia through the middle and he shot home at the second attempt after Vella saved his first effort.
A third goal arrived within four minutes when Pedroso was allowed far too much time to curl a delightfully weighted shot beyond Vella from the edge of the area.
Farrugia did almost exactly the same thing from the centre in Marsaxlokk’s next attack four minutes later when they continued to exploit the acres of uncovered space between the Rainbows’ defenders and midfielders.
Tarxien’s patchy play in the first half did not brighten their prospects of recovery after ends were changed…unless there was a quick goal.
That duly arrived soon after the restart when Daniel Mariano Bueno picked up Adrian Carabott’s pass before drilling the ball low into the corner.
Tarxien soon threatened more goals when Everton forced Christian Cassar to tip the ball over and then, Jimmy Mayasi outsprinted the onrushing goalkeeper and arrowed his shot into the corner only to see Jonathan Xerri clear the danger.
Tarxien refused to back down and Warren Chircop jumped the highest when a long ball from a free-kick by Luiz de Castro flew into the box four minutes from time to head home his team’s second goal.
The last moments had a ‘touch and go’ stamps with Tarxien seeking to cut further deficit and Marsaxlokk to increase their tally.
In fact, Farrugia almost punished their flat-out approach but he shot straight into Vella’s gloves just before the final whistle.
Tarxien Rainbows: N. Vella-5 M. Caruana-6, J. Vella-5, Everton-6, A. Carabott-6.5 (83 W. Chircop), J. Mayasi-5 (65 C. Mamo), K. Pulo-5, D. Bueno-6, L. De Castro-6, L. Galea-4 (30 J. Grioli-6), C. Fenech -5.
Marsaxlokk: C. Cassar-6, C. Brincat-6, P. Borg-6, G. Caruana -6 (61 Dylan Attard), J. Xerri-6.5, D. Grech-6.5 (69 C. Debattista), T. Templeman-6, S. Eboh-5, J.P. Farrugia-7.5, M. Valeriani-6.5, A.C. Pedrozo-7 (75 Darren Attard)
Referee: Glenn Tonna.
Yellow cards: Grech, Eboh, Xerri, Bueno, Grioli
BOV Player of the match: Jean Paul Farrugia (Marsaxlokk).
Attendance: 100.