Tarxien Rainbows 1 Birkirkara 4

Birkirkara returned to winning ways following last week’s painful defeat to Sliema as Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza and Jhonnattann team up to help Birkirkara thrash hapless Tarxien.

And the game was only four minutes old when Mifsud Triganza rose majestically to meet Edward Herrera’s cross and thump an unstoppable header past David Cassar.

But the Stripes’ sloppiness in possession almost cost them two minutes later, when Esposito broke clear into the Birkirkara but the nippy Brazilian could only steer a half-hit effort off the target.

Birkirkara’s response came again via Mifsud Triganza, whose industry was sorely missed against Sliema Wanderers last week. The sight of Jhonnattann advancing again unchallenged caused consternation for Tarxien after 17 minutes and Mifsud Triganza took advantage of poor defending when they failed to deal with the Brazilian’s cross, turning in from close range.

Tarxien’s first-half display did not merit a goal, but they found the net in the 43rd minute when Daniel Mariano Bueno’s long-range shot was too hot to handle for Reuben Gauci and Mark Tanti, who had followed the action, duly profited as he tapped the ball home from close in.

The Rainbow suffered a double injury blow just before the hour mark, with midfielder de Castro and defender Anonam limped out injured in quick succession. Yet Tarxien’s chances took another huge blow few moments later when Evaldo was sent off for a malicious elbow on Mifsud Triganza.

Eight minutes later, Mifsud Triganza added to Tarxien’s woes as he completed his hat-trick with a low drive. Fastening on to an accurate pass from Jhonnattann, the striker outpaced the defence before sending the ball behind Cassar and into the net.

Still Birkirkrara were not finished, substitute Ryan Camenzuli scored a superb goal, beating his marker down the left before a shot from a tight angle went in off Cassar.