BOV Premier League | Tarxien Rainbows 1 – Gżira United 0

A goal by Julian Galea two minutes into the second half made all the difference for Tarxien as the Rainbows earned a 1-0 win over Gżira United.

Triston Caruana of Tarxien challenging Rafael Pompeo Rodrigues Ledesma for the ball. Photo: Christine Borg
Triston Caruana of Tarxien challenging Rafael Pompeo Rodrigues Ledesma for the ball. Photo: Christine Borg

Gżira had a good opportunity on the first minute when Gianmarco Conti saw space and fired a shot from distance that went high.

The Rainbows responded on the 5th minute. Sergio Fernandez Prendes went on a good run before finding Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia whose effort forced a good save from Mauro Boerchio.

Tarxien went close once more on the 18th minute. Claudio Daniel Frances went past a defender and sent a good cross towards Galea. However, the striker failed to make contact with the ball and the chance was lost.

The Maroons hit back on the 21st minute in a rather similar fashion. From a free kick, Rafael Pompeo Rodrigues Ledesma saw his shot being turned over the bar by Andrea Cassar.

A minute later, Tarxien went close through another free kick. Daniel Zerafa fired a strong shot that forced a great save from Boerchio who stretched his hands and tipped the ball for a corner.

Tarxien went ahead two minutes into the second half. Ponce De Leon Garcia went inside the penalty area and sent a weak shot which the Gżira goalkeeper failed to hold. The rebound fell for Julian Galea who slotted the ball inside the net.

Ponce De Leon Garcia was close to double the score for Tarxien on the 61st minute. The Spanish player won possession on the edge of the penalty area and hit a low shot that sailed wide of the post.

Fifteen minutes from time, Galea managed to find the net once more, but the first assistant raised his flag as the goal was ruled out for an offside.

In the remaining minutes, Gżira tried to push for an equaliser, but Tarxien kept firm to take home the three points.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Andrea Cassar, Daniel Zerafa, Matthew Tabone, Sacha Borg, Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia, Triston Caruana, Alex Da Paicao Alves, Sergio Fernandez Prendes, Julian Galea, Dylan Micallef, Claudio Daniel Frances.

Gżira United starting line-up: Mauro Boerchio, Rafael Pompeo Rodrigues Ledesma, Gianmarco Conti, Antonio De Queiroz Machedo Neto, Juan Carlos Corbalan, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Jallow Momodou Salieu, Jonathan Bondin, Zachary Scerri, Souleymane Diamoutene, Karl Pulo.

Referee: Philip Farrugia

Assistant referees: Mitchell Scerri, Christopher Francalanza

Fourth official: Malcolm Spiteri

St. Andrews vs Birkirkara

Meanwhile, at the National stadium, St. Andrews and Birkirkara earned a point each in a 1-1 draw.

Pena Beltre managed to put St. Andrews ahead on the 35th minute after finishing past Kopric.

When everyone thought that Birkirkara were heading for an unexpected defeat, Matteo Desira Buttigieg of Birkirkara saw his shot on the 94th minute ending up past Jake Galea.