Zebbug earn second season win over 10-man Sliema

Zebbug Rangers finally secured their only second win of the season over 10-man Sliema and move to just two points behind fellow relegation candidates Pieta. For the blues, this was a very disappointing result as they failed to keep up their push for a spot in the top four.

Zebbug made four changes to the team which lost 5-2 to Hibernians last week and could rely on their new signings Manuel Bartolo, Paltemio Barbetti and Englishman Rashid Yussuf.

Sliema on the other hand again had to do without the injured duo Gatt Baldacchino and Michael Mifsud while Stefano Bianciardi was out through suspension. Luca Martinelli was included as a substitute. The blues opted to start with Beppe Muscat, Andrea Scozzese and Bocar Djumo.

The blues had their first attempt of the match early on when a shot by teenager Aiden Friggieri hit the upright with the Zebbug keeper beaten. On 11 minutes, new signing Rashid Yussuf had his effort blocked by the Wanderers custodian Glen Zammit after a clever pass from Muchardi.  Zebbug kept looking dangerous, showing more intent in their play and went close first through Thomas Paris, then through Britto after another good opening pass from Muchardi.

A few minutes after the half hour mark, Zebbug managed to forge ahead when off an assist by their most effective player Muchardi, Carlo Monti was brought down by Sliema defender Scozzese to give the referee no option but to give a penalty, and give the marching orders to Scozzese.  From the spot, Carlo Monti made no mistake.

The Wanderers however had other intentions during the break, and only needed a minute into the second half to draw level when striker Bocar Djump was sent through to easily beat the Zebbug keeper. Sliema could have gone ahead on 68 minutes again through Djumo but had his effort easily saved by Bartolo.

Ten minutes from time, Zebbug notched a precious three points in their fight against survival when a powerful drive by Monti was not held by Zammit, for Mauricio Britto to place it at the back of the net.

BOV Man of the Match: Marko Potezica

IAt the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Birkirkara kept their positive run as they defeated Tarxien 2-1, despite having a player sent off. This defeat leaves the Rainbows in serious relegation trouble, leaving them on just 16 points from 18 matches.

Birkirkara had Eliandro replacing the injured Liliu, while Gareth Sciberras was named in the starting line-up ahead of Edmond Agius. Manuel Xerri, Luke Zahra Carlos Menendez all named in the starting 11.

It was Tarxien who tried to go in front and had their first attempt at goal on 13 minutes when a Menendez shot was saved by keeper Haber.

Close to the half hour mark, the stripes went ahead when Rafael Ledesma beat keeper Sean Mintoff with a fine effort after receiving from a Paul Fenech corner.

Six minutes later, Matheus Blissi was sent off for B’Kara for fouling Menendez as he was on his way on goal.

Past the hour mark, Ryan Sammut brought down Eliandro inside the area with referee Adrian Azzopardi blowing for a penalty, only for Rafael Ledesmas’ kick from the spot to be saved by Mintoff.

On 71 minutes, B’Kara secured their three points and doubled the score thanks to Haruna Shola who beat Mintoff from an angled shot.

Nine minutes from the end, Firas Aboulezz reduced the gap for Tarxien from an angled finish from the left side.

BOV Man of the Match: Rafael Ledesma