Tarxien Rainbows 2 Marsaxokk 4

Already-relegated Marsaxlokk managed to bid 'adieu' to the premier league with a victory today, restoring some pride after a dismal season against an out-of-form Tarxien Rainbows.

There was a defiant atmosphere inside the Centenary Stadium and the Southseasiders' loyal followers were treated to alively start. Inside the first seven minutes, Nicky Vella, the Tarxien goalkeeper, fumbled a  seemingly innocuous header by John Paul Farrugia with the ball finishing just wide as Marsaxlokk attacked with purpose.

From the ensuing corner, the former Hibernians striker rose highest to flick his header over Vella in the Rainbows goal only to see Manuel Caruana clear off the ball.

However, Marsaxlokk's opening was not long in coming though as it was an unmarked Alex Cesar Pedorozo who supplied the finish in the eighth minute, after Farrugia was allowed to turn inside and deliver  a curling cross from the right flank.

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, to shoot home at the second attempt after Vella saved his first shoot.

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 but Tarxien failed to learn their lesson, for Farrugia did almost exactly the same thing from the centre on Marsxalokk's next attack four minutes later when they continued to exploit  the acres of uncovered space between the Rainbows' defence and midfield.

The Rainbows' 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 Pereira forced Christian Cassar to tip the ball over and then, Jimmy Mayasiout sprinted the onrushing goalkeeper and arrowed his shot into the corner only to see Jonathan Xerri clearing the danger.

But 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.