TARXIEN RAINBOWS-3, BIRKIRKARA-1

Tarxien Rainbows caused an upset this evening after inflicting a 3-1 defeat on Premier League title hopefuls Birkirkara.

Alvaro scored a brace as Tarxien's Brazilian strikers wreaked havoc in Birkirkara's defence every time they attacked on the counter.

Birkirkara were first to threaten. Rafael Ledesma's inswinging cross-shot from a corner sailed dangerously towards goal but Tarxien goalkeeper Jonathan Debono just managed to tip the ball over the bar.

Tarxien replied with a Clebino shot that was saved by Justin Haber.

The Stripes remained the brighter side. Nikola Vukanac sent his header over the bar from Liliu's cross before Eliandro, teed up by Paul Fenech, fired over from an angled position.

It was the Rainbows who opened the scoring on 25 minutes. Wesley was instrumental as the Brazilian jinked his way into the box from the right before pulling the ball back to Clebinho who placed his shot past Haber

Birkirkara's Matheus Bissi produced a firm shot from a long-range free-kick but his effort was too central to trouble Debono.

Another quick Tarxien breakaway opened up Birkirkara as Clebinho ran clear on the right. Birkirkara claimed that Clebinho was offside but as the assistant referee's flag stayed down, the Brazilian advanced before setting up Alvaro who flicked the ball home.

Birkirkara were quick to narrow the deficit. Zach Muscat, overlapping on the left wing, supplied a perfect cross to Liliu who produced a first-time volley that flew past Debono.

The Tarxien goalkeeper denied Birkirkara an equaliser two minutes into the second half as he beat away Bissi's powerful drive from a free-kick. Eliandro was first to the loose ball but fired wide.

Clebinho almost surprised Haber with a diagonal shot but the ball came off the side-netting.

On 64 minutes, Liliu turned past his marker after receiving from Paul Fenech but the Brazilian's effort was blocked by Debono.
Jorge, who had just replaced Tabone, sent his shot wide from outside the box.

As the second half moved on, Birkirkara's possession grew but Zammit's men were unable to find a way past the crowded tarxien defence. With 11 minuteas remaining, Ledesma had a low shot saved by Debono.

Tarxien threatened to hit the killer blow in the dying stages when Clebinho advanced on the right and sped into the box but his show was saved.

Moments later, Tarxien wrapped up the points when Alvaro broke on the counter, flicked the ball foward and then chipped Haber.

Clebinho was named BOV player of the match.