Sliema hang on to beat Tarxien in five goal thriller

Sliema Wanderers edged Tarxien in a five goal thriller on Saturday afternoon to claim an important three points to enter the frame for a place in the top four.

For the Rainbows this was a disappointing result after producing an encouraging performance sharing the play with their opponents for long periods in the game.

Sliema went into the match looking for a win and they couldn’t have asked for a better start with Pedrinho putting them ahead after just five minutes, beating goalkeeper Debono with a powerful drive.

Tarxien drew level in the seventh minute.

Menendez directed an inch perfect pass to Vallecillo who put the ball into the net from close range.

Tarxien were slowly controlling their opponents and looked the most likely to take the lead.

However it was Sliema who regained the lead on 33 minutes.

Mintoff’s cross from the right flank into the penalty area met with an unmarked Mark Scerri who’s first attempt was saved by Debono who failed to hold onto the ball, with Scerri putting home form the rebound.

At the start of the second half Coach Clive Mizzi replaced Obinna for Spaniard Jorge Yepes at the start of the second half.

Tarxien were denied an equaliser by the woodwark fifteen minutes into the second half when Carlinos hit the crossbar from a headed effort.

Tarxien’s perseverance for their efforts was finally rewarded on 69 minutes when Aboulezz beat the Sliema keeper after beating Mintoff with speed.

It was not long before Sliema were again in front when Bocar released an on -coming Cilia who drove the ball into the net.

12 minutes from time, Mouhamed’s curling effort went wide with the ball hitting a deflection.

Boca had a golden opportunity to completely kill Tarxien but his effort was diverted away for a corner after receiving a good pass from Michael Mifsud who was returning to the team after a long lay -off.

Deep into stoppage time, Sliema keeper Zammit saved his team and denied Tarxien a late equaliser pushing Vallecillo’s screamer over the bar.

BOV Man of the Match: Mark Scerri