Tarxien goalkeeper Sean Mintoff (left) tries to close down Birkirkara forward Shola Shodiya Haruna. Photo: Jason BorgTarxien Rainbows 0
Birkirkara 2
Vukanac 27; Haruna 38;
Birkirkara broke little sweat in overcoming the feeble challenge of struggling Tarxien Rainbows and maintain their grip on the runners-up spot in the league.
There was never any doubt about the legitimacy of Birkirkara’s victory yesterday as the Stripes were a cut above their opponents.
They all but settled the match inside the opening 38 minutes with goals from Nikola Vukanac and Shola Shodiya Haruna to move four points clear of nearest rivals Valletta who face Naxxar Lions tomorrow.
For Tarxien, the situation is getting increasingly desperate as their seventh successive defeat leaves them rock bottom in the standings.
They face a must-win scenario ahead of their next match against Naxxar to revive their hopes.
Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit made one change from the team that beat Pietà Hotspurs late last month as Edward Herrera was handed a starting berth at the expense of Nassir Maachi who was included among the subs.
Clive Mizzi, the Tarxien coach, had to make do without a few first-teamers as Ryan Sammut and Carlos Hevia were ruled out with injury while forward Mouhamed Soly started a three-match ban.
As expected, Birkirkara made all the early running but they rarely threatened the Tarxien goal.
Instead, it was the Rainbows who almost took a shock lead on 17 minutes when Jorge Pereira raced past his marker but his drive was stopped by keeper Justin Haber.
Birkirkara responded six minutes later when Herrera chipped the ball towards Ryan Camenzuli who saw his effort blocked by Sean Mintoff, the Tarxien goalkeeper.
That was a temporary reprieve for the Rainbows though as the Stripes struck soon after.
From a free-kick, Ryan Scicluna’s cross was met by Vukanac who directed his header into the net.
Tarxien tried to regroup but their reaction only produced a shot from Edu Vallecillo that was easily dealt with by Haber.
Birkirkara kept control and doubled their lead seven minutes from the break.
Zach Muscat delivered an inviting ball towards the unmarked Haruna who had little difficulty heading past Mintoff.
Nigerian Haruna almost struck again before the break when he outmuscled Matthew Tabone but, with only Mintoff to beat, he lost his balance and fired wide.
The pattern of the game stayed the same at the start of the second half with Birkirkara bossing proceedings.
On 54 minutes, Herrera made headway on the right and aimed a dangerous cross towards the sprinting Camenzuli who just failed to make contact with the ball.
On 70 minutes, Zammit effected his first change as Maachi came on for Vukanac who picked up a muscle injury.
Poor defensive play from the Stripes almost handed a lifeline to Tarxien as Alex Cini stole possession on the edge of the area but his stinging drive was stopped by Haber.
The Rainbows had the ball in the net on 72 minutes when Pereira released Darlington who planted his shot past Haber but the ‘goal’ was annulled for offside.
Haber ensured a clean sheet for his team in time added-on when he dived full stretch to push away Vallecillo’s inswinger.
Tarxien Rainbows
S. Mintoff-5, K. Farrugia-5, M. Caruana-5.5, J. Yepes-5, T. Caruana-5, F. Aboulezz-5 (69 L. Zahra-5), E. Vallecillo-6, J. Pereira-5, A. Cini-6, M. Tabone-5.5, O. Darlington-5 (83 N. Vella).
Birkirkara
J. Haber-6, J. Zerafa-6, N. Vukanac-6.5 (70 N. Maachi), M. Latini Mazzetti-6, S.S. Haruna-7 (77 R. Ledesma), E. Herrera-6, P. Fenech-7, Z. Muscat-6.5, R. Camenzuli-6 (74 M. Bissi), R. Scicluna-6, R. Muscat-6.5.
Referee: Marco Borg.
Yellow cards: Vallecillo; Yepes.
BOV player of the match: Paul Fenech (Birkirkara).