Late goal earns Tarxien a point against Sliema

Sliema Wanderers were looking to earn all three points in their first match of the season, but a late goal by Tarxien Rainbows held Sliema to a 1-1 draw.

Tarxien and Sliema had to settle for a draw. Photo by Joe Borg
Tarxien and Sliema had to settle for a draw. Photo by Joe Borg

Tarxien managed to create the first goal scoring opportunity when Triston Caruana had his shot from outside the area saved by Sliema goalkeeper Glen Zammit.

In the 20th minute, Sliema’s Michael Mifsud received a pass from Paltemio Barbetti, but his shot was deflected into a corner.

Tarxien went close to taking the lead when a shot by Alvaro Silva hit the woodwork on the 26th minute.

The match turned in Sliema’s favour when they took the lead in the 41st minute. Off a cross by Alex Muscat, Stefano Bianciardi headed the ball into goal to make the score 1-0.

Eight minutes into the second half, Sliema went close to scoring another goal when off a corner by Pisanu, Marko Potezica’s header went just wide.

Tarxien started to pile on the pressure and went close when Wesley Pipico had his shot punched away by goalkeeper Zammit.

Tarxien thought they had scored when Wesley Lima Silva managed to find the back of the net, but the Brazilian was offside.

As Sliema were looking to take home all three points, Tarxien managed to score the equaliser three minutes into added time. Off a freekick by Alvaro Andre Rodrigues Silva, Tristan Caruana headed the ball past Zammit.

SLIEMA WANDERERS Glenn Zammit, Alex Muscat, Filippo Andrea Scozzese (46′ Beppe Muscat), Marko Potezica, John Mintoff (89′ Luca Martinelli), Mark Scerri, Michael Mifsud, Andrea Pisanu (74′ Trevor Cilia), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Paltemio Barbetti, Stefano Bianciardi.

Subs not used: Daniel Balzan, Iousef Meli, Axl Xuereb, Peter Xuereb.

Coach: Alfonso Greco

TARXIEN RAINBOWS Jonathan Debono, Kane Farrugia, Manuel Caruana (69′ Matthew Tabone), Owen Bugeja, Alvaro Andre Rodrigues Silva, Tristan Caruana, Wesley Lima Silva, Ryan Sammut (46′ Carlos Menendes Hevia), Alex Cini, Alessandro Lopes Pereira (69′ Cleber Barbosa Viana), Jorge Santos Silva.

Subs not used: Sean Cini, Steve Sadowski, Manuel Xerri, Luke Aquilina.

Coach: Clive Mizzi

Referees: Alan Mario Sant

Assistant Referees: Edward Spiteri, William Debattista

Additional Assistant Referees: Mario Apap, Malcolm Spiteri

Fourth Official: Paul Apap

Yellow Cards: Zammit, Pisani, Hevia, Bugeja, Barbetti

Scorers: 41′ Stefano Bianciardi (S); 90+3′ Tristan Caruana (T)

BOV Player of the Match: Stefano Bianciardi