TARXIEN RAINBOWS-2, SLIEMA WANDERERS-3

Sliema Wanderers struck twice in stoppage time to beat Tarxien Rainbows 3-2 in an entertaining match at the Hibs Stadium this evening.

The Rainbows had taken a 2-0 lead by the 26th minute thanks to Danilo. The Brazilian striker headed Justin Grioli's cross past Henry Bonello, the Sliema goalkeeper, after 20 minutes. Six minutes later, Danilo was on hand to nod the ball home after Luiz Romulo De Castro's menacing corner sailed dangerously towards Bonello's goal.

The erstwhile subdued Sliema pulled one back five minutes from half-time thanks to Miguel Ciantar who drilled the ball past David Cassar after being served by Omar El Ghaouti, a last-minute replacement for Ivan Woods.

Sliema intensified their efforts in search of an an equaliser in the second half. El Ghaouti hit the crossbar with a well-hit volley and Cassar produced a fine save to tip Matias Muchardi's fierce shot six minutes from time. This after Tarxien had been reduced to 10 men after Danilo earned a second yellow card for diving.

On the stroke of time, Sliema equalised thanks to El Ghaouti who beat Cassar with a crisp shot after receiving from Muchardi.

Sliema stayed on the attack burt Cassar denied them with saves from efforts by Muchardi and Ciantar.

In stoppage time, Sliema hit the winner thanks to debutant Paltemio Barbetti who scored with a curling drive from a wide position.

Tarxien's Grioli was voted BOV player of the match.