BOV Premier League | Tarxien Rainbows 2 – St Andrews 1

The second match at the Hibernians stadium saw the teams of Tarxien and St Andrews facing off each other. This was also a direct encounter between two teams who are aspiring to finish at mid-way through the table. Prior to the match, only one point separated the two sides.

The Rainbows shared the spoils with Gzira in their previous match. St Andrews also took a point from their last match as they drew level with Mosta.

Tarxien’s match took a set back after less than a minute. Thomas Veronese suffered an injury and had to be replaced by Luke Grech.

St Andrews threatened Tarxien after four minutes. Martin Davis sent Kemar Reid through on the right flank and the latter drilled a low shot that sailed wide.

Tarxien hit back and broke the deadlock on the 24th minute. Ricardo Silva Faria’s cross was met by Michele Paolucci who slotted the ball inside the net.

St Andrews replied one minute prior to half-time. From a free-kick, Degran Jackson delivered a cross towards Andrian Borg whose powerful header failed to hit the target.

Tarxien made a great start to the second half as they doubled their advantage on the 48th minute. Faria fired a stunning shot from distance that gave Matthew Calleja Cremona no chance.

St Andrews pulled one back five minutes later. Following a corner, Daniel Zerafa was judged to have pushed Borg and the referee pointed towards the spot. Davis stepped up and converted.

Supporters of both sides had to wait till the 72nd minute in order to witness another chance on goal. Degran Jackson drilled a low shot that was parried by Andrea Cassar.

Chances remained scarce during the remaining minutes. St Andrews decided to increase their efforts in attack in their attempts to equalise; however, Tarxien defended well as they took home the three points.

Following this result, Tarxien climbed eighth ahead of St Andrews and Floriana.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Andrea Cassar, Thomas Veronese, Jens Alexander Wemmer, Juan Gill Cruz, Daniel Zerafa, Matthew Spiteri, Michele Paolucci, Gabriel Aquilina, Siraj Eddin Arab, Anderson De Barros, Ricardo Silva Faria

St Andrews starting line-up: Matthew Calleja Cremona, Alexander Satariano, Kevyn Mcfarlane, Ricardo Martin, Aidan Jake Friggieri, Kemar Reid, Adrian Borg, Amoy Brown, Martin Davis, Degran Jackson, Matthew Woo Ling

Referee: Emanuel Grech

Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Darko Stankovic

Fourth Official: Ishmael Barbara

BOV Player of the Match: Ricardo Silva Faria (Tarxien)