Tarxien goalkeeper Sean Mintoff intercepts a cross inside his box. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Birkirkara 2
Ledesma 27; Haruna 70;
Tarxien Rainbows 1
Aboulezz 81;

Birkirkara survived the first-half dismissal of Matheus Bissi to overcome the challenge of struggling Tarxien Rainbows yesterday.

This was an efficient performance from the Stripes who despite not producing their best football did just enough to see off a Tarxien side that failed to profit from having a player more on the pitch for almost an hour.

Rafael Ledesma was the architect behind Birkirkara’s victory as he netted a fine opener with the only tinge on his sheet being failure to convert a second-half penalty.

But that failed to derail Ledesma and the Stripes who held tight after Firas Aboulezz’s late goal had halved Tarxien’s deficit to seal their third successive league victory and reach the 37-point mark, 12 adrift of leaders Hibs who face Naxxar today.

Tarxien remain third bottom and they surely need some reinforcements this month if they are stave off the relegation threat.

Birkirkara were boosted by the return of club skipper Gareth Sciberras who missed his team’s 5-1 victory over Mosta last week.

Edmond Agius was relegated to the subs’ bench.

Eliandro was given a starting berth upfront in the absence of Liliu who will be out for several weeks to heal a serious knee injury.

Tarxien effected three changes from the team that suffered a 5-0 defeat to Balzan last week.

Manuel Xerri started ahead of Kane Farrugia while midfielder Carlos Hevia was back in the fray with Nigel Vella dropped to the bench. Defender Alessandro Lopes Perreira was ruled out by suspension. He was replaced by Luke Zahra.

Spanish newcomers Edu and Jorge Yepes were not included in Clive Mizzi’s squad as they were not registered in time for this match.

Hevia almost gave the Rainbows a headstart when he was put clear by Aboulezz but his firm drive was kept out by keeper Justin Haber with Bissi heading the ball away to safety.

Birkirkara were clearly struggling at this juncture but it was Ledesma who sprung them to life on 27 minutes with a fine strike and goal.

The Brazilian exchanged passes with Paul Fenech before hitting a curling drive from the edge of the area that flew past Sean Mintoff.

Buoyed by that breakthrough Birkirkara were expected to impose their play on the Rainbows but they suffered a setback on 32 minutes when they were reduced to ten men.

Hevia anticipated Nikola Vukanac and sped clear but the Spanish midfielder was brought down by Bissi who was dismissed for a last-man foul.

With a player more on the pitch, Tarxien drew some courage. Xerri picked Hevia inside the box but the Rainbows midfielder saw his effort blocked by Haber.

Birkirkara were adopting a more prudent approach now as Tarxien tried to exploit their numerical advantage but the Stripes were easily administering their slim one-goal lead.

Coach Paul Zammit redesigned his defence as he withdrew Vukanac on the restart and roped in Alejandro Mendoza with Ryan Scicluna taking the right-back role and Zach Muscat moving to a central defensive position.

The Stripes threatened on 53 minutes when Ledesma released Shola Haruna whose angled drive was stopped by Mintoff.

Birkirkara had a golden opportunity to score a second goal and, perhaps, wrap up the points on the hour.

Eliandro was brought down in the area by Ryan Sammut but from the penalty Ledesma saw his spot-kick pushed away by the diving Mintoff.

A few minutes later, the Stripes had another gilt-edged chance to go 2-0 up when Ledesma picked the unmarked Sciberras but the latter headed wide with only Mintoff to beat.

However, the Stripes were not to be denied and on 70 minutes Haruna sped into the area and beat Mintoff with a shot from a close angle.

Tarxien were down and out but they did manage to pull a goal back nine minutes from time through Aboulezz.

However, after that the Stripes closed all avenues to their goal and there was no way the Rainbows could save the match and avoid another upset.

Birkirkara
J. Haber-6, N. Vukanac-5 (46 A. Mendoza-6), Eliandro-6.5 (77 E. Herrera), M. Bissi, S. Haruna-6.5, R. Ledesma-7 (84 E. Agius), G. Sciberras-6.5, Z. Muscat-6, P. Fenech-6, R. Camenzuli-5.5, R. Scicluna-6.

Tarxien Rainbows
S. Mintoff-5.5, M. Caruana-6, O. Bugeja-6, T. Caruana-5, F. Aboulezz-6, R. Sammut-5 (74 N. Vella), C. Hevia-6.5, L. Zahra-5, A. Cini-5.5, M. Xerri-5 (70 K. Farrugia), M. Tabone-5.5.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Yellow cards: Vukanac, Hevia, Caruana, Camenzuli.

Red card: Bissi (B) 32.

Missed penalty: Ledesma (B) 60.

BOV player of the match: Rafael Ledesma (Birkirkara).