FA Trophy | Tarxien Rainbows 0 – Sliema Wanderers 3

In the early stages of the match, both teams were reluctant to risk much. In fact, the majority of play took place in the centre of the pitch.

However, in the first chance on goal, Sliema managed to break the deadlock on the 22nd minute. From a free-kick, Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte sent a cross that was met by Denni Dos Dantos who headed past Andrea Cassar.

The Wanderers threatened again on the 28th minute. Denni won possession inside Tarxien’s half and fired a shot that was neutralised by Cassar.

Tarxien responded on the 32nd minute. Alex Da Paixao Alves found space and hit a powerful drive from outside the penalty area that went slightly over.

Three minutes later, the Rainbows had another good chance on goal. Da Paixao Alves sent a through ball towards Alex Nilsson who went inside the penalty area and hit a shot that was well saved by Giuseppe Sarao.

Despite this reaction from Tarxien, Sliema increased their advantage on the 37th minute by scoring a goal that was identical to the first one. From another free kick, Correa Duarte delivered the ball towards Leonardo Incorvaia and the latter headed inside the net.

John Buttigieg’s side suffered a set-back on the 45th minute as Denni got injured and had to be replaced. Ryan Spiteri took his place.

The Rainbows had a promising chance on the 56th minute. Emerson Marcellina’s free-kick was directed towards Ebiabowei Baker but the defender failed to make proper contact with the ball.

Tarxien’s hopes of a comeback faded away on the 64th minute as the Wanderers scored their third goal. Frank Temille sent an excellent pass towards Mark Scerri and the Sliema midfielder slotted the ball past Cassar.

On the 79th minute, Marcellina of Tarxien fired a shot from distance that went off target.

Four minutes later, Cassar was on the alert to deny Sliema from scoring their fourth goal. Ryan Spiteri received the ball inside the penalty area and hit a close range shot that was parried by the Tarxien goalkeeper.

On the other side of the pitch, Ayrton Azzopardi’s shot was saved by Sarao.

Tarxien had a good chance to score a consolation goal on the 87th minute. Nilsson went on a good run before passing the ball towards Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia whose shot was blocked by the Sliema shot stopper.

The Sliema goalkeeper was crucial again two minutes later. Azzopardi received the ball inside the area and sent a shot that was saved once more by Sarao.

On the 90th minute, Nilsson of Tarxien created the game’s last chance. The Swedish striker fired a shot that was tipped behind by the Italian goalkeeper.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Andrea Cassar, Ebiabowei Baker, Emerson Marcellina, Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia, Alex Nilsson, Andrew Agius, Sergio Fernandez Prendes, Daniel Zerafa, Alex Da Paixao Alves, Kurt Zammit, Sacha Borg

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Giuseppe Sarao, Alex Muscat, Denni Dos Santos, Peter Xuereb, Leonardo Incorvaia, Mark Scerri, Mattias Muchardi, Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte, Jonathan Pearson, Frank Temille, Stefano Biancardi

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri

Assistant Referees: William Debattista, Sammy Attard

Additional Assistant Referees: Trustin Farrugia Cann, Stefan Pace

Fourth Official: Duncan Sultana