Sliema Wanderers come from behind to secure three points

Despite going a goal down, Sliema Wanderers hit back in the second half as goals from Wisdom Salamon and Marko Potezika earned them a 2-1 win over Tarxien Rainbows.

Matias Muchardi of Sliema in action during their match against Tarxien. Photo: Dominic Borg
Matias Muchardi of Sliema in action during their match against Tarxien. Photo: Dominic Borg

Tarxien Rainbows took the initiative in the first half and managed to go ahead on the quarter of an hour mark. From a corner, Triston Caruana sent a cross that was met by Ebiabowei Baker who headed past Glenn Zammit.

Few minutes later, Tarxien were close to double the score. Daniel Ponce went down the left flank and delivered the ball towards Alex Nilsson. The Swedish player headed wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The Wanderers had a good opportunity to score an equaliser on the 28th minute as Peter Xuereb’s effort went millimeters high of the post.

Jacques Scerri’s side nearly scored on the 39th minute after Glenn Zammit’s poor pass was intercepted by Ponce. The ball fell for Nilsson, but the Sliema goalkeeper made up for his mistake by blocking the striker’s effort with his feet.

Six minutes into the second half, Tarxien lost another good opportunity when Alex da Paixao Alves sent a cross in the direction of Daniel Ponce who hit the crossbar.

Sliema managed to equalise on the 61st minute. Michel Wisdom Salomon was sent through by Alex Muscat before going past two defenders and finishing past Andrea Cassar.

Tarxien were unlucky on the 81st minute when Alex Nilsson fired a shot from close range that hit the upright.

John Buttigieg’s side responded by scoring the winning goal. From a corner, Ryan Spiteri delivered a cross that was deflected by a defender. The ball fell for Marko Potezika who finished inside the net.

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Glenn Zammit, Alex Muscat, Gary Muir, Gabriel Aquilina , Peter Xuereb, Michel Wisdom Salomon Aka, Mathias Mucchardi, John Mintoff, Mark Scerri Jean Paul Farrugia, Marko Potezica.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Andrea Cassar, Ebiabowei Baker, Triston Caruana, Daniel Ponce de Leon Garcia, Alex Nilsson, Emerson Marcellina, Sergio Fernandez Prendez, Daniel Zerafa, Alex da Paixao Alves, Matthew Tabone, Kurt Zammit.

Referee: Alan Mario Sant
Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Paul Apap
Fourth Official: Stefan Pace
BOV Player of the Match: Alex Da Paixao Alves