BOV Premier League | Sliema Wanderers 1 – Tarxien Rainbows 1

In a clash between two sides that doesn’t have much to play for, Tarxien and Sliema shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Matias Muchardi of Sliema in action. Photo: Christine Borg
Matias Muchardi of Sliema in action. Photo: Christine Borg

Tarxien are going through another difficult moment with regards to the technical staff after the resignation of Jesmond Zerafa. In fact, they were led by their captain Triston Caruana who took the role of a player coach until a new coach is appointed.

Things seemed to get more difficult for the Rainbows as they went a goal down after eleven minutes. Wisdom Salomon received the ball from Peter Xuereb and hit a low shot that gave Andrea Cassar no chance.

Tarxien responded on the 17th minute. Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia sent a volley that missed the target by a few centimetres.

On the 40th minute, Tarxien managed to equalise the score. From a free kick, Emerson Marcellina fired a stunning shot past Giuseppe Sarao.

Tarxien increased their efforts and had another chance on the 50th minute. Ponce hit a shot from a free kick that forced a good save from the Sliema goalkeeper.

However, the Rainbows suffered a setback on the 66th minute when Ebiabowei Baker was sent off after collecting his second yellow card.

Sliema tried to take an advantage but found Cassar on the alert four minutes from time. Ryan Spiteri hit a powerful drive from the edge of the penalty area which the Tarxien goalkeeper managed to parry for a corner.

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Giuseppe Sarao, Stefano Bianciardi, Ricardo Correa Duarte, Denni Dos Santos, Jean Paul Farrugia, Matias Muchardi, Alex Muscat, Wisdom Salomon, Mark Scerri, Peter Xuereb, Jonathan Pearson

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Andrea Cassar, Andrew Agius, Ebiabowei Baker, Sacha Borg, Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia, Emerson Marcellina, Julian Galea, Alex Da Paixao Alves, Alex Nilsson, Matthew Tabone, Kurt Zammit

Referee: Stefan Pace

Assistant Referees: Christopher Francalanza, Sammy Attard

Fourth Official: Fyodor Zammit

BOV Player of the Match: Emerson Marcellina (Tarxien Rainbows)