QORMI 1 TARXIEN RAINBOWS 4

Tarxien Rainbows recovered from a goal down to thump Qormi 4-1 and maintain their good start in the BOV Premier League.

Qormi had raised their hopes after taking an early lead but Tarxien hit back with a vengeance, scoring three goals in seven first-half minutes to all but secure victory that took them one point behind Hibernians and Floriana in sixth place.

Qormi took a shock lead as early as the fourth minute. Brandon Muscat gave Terence Vella space on the right flank but no goalkeeper would have stopped the latter’s unstoppable curling shot which flew into the top corner of Andrea Cassar.

This goal spurned Tarxien into action and after 17 minutes, the Rainbows were level. Joao Pedro’s typical menacing free-kick was palmed onto the post by the Qormi goalkeeper Jean-Matthias Vella and Triston Caruana was first on the rebound, his shot giving Vella no chance to save – 1-1.

Three minutes later, Pedro punished again the Qormi defence. The Brazilian striker was first to react on a poor clearance and unleashed a powerful drive behind Vella via the post.

Johann Scicluna’s side were completely overwhelmed. In the 25th minute, Tarxien managed to notch their third goal as Ayrton Azzopardi’s raking corner flashed across the face of goal before finding Ebiabowei at the far post to push the ball over the line.

Two goals down after taking an early lead, Qormi looked devoid of inspiration as Tarxien stayed in control. With two minutes left, the Rainbows scored their fourth as striker Danilo, with practically his first touch of the ball, slammed a rising shot over Vella.