BOV Premier League | Tarxien Rainbows 1 – Senglea Athletic 1

Tarxien Rainbows won their first point the Premier League after holding Senglea in a 1-1 draw.

Senglea threatened Tarxien after just eleven seconds, when Augustu Rene Caseras sent a shot from the edge of the penalty area that was neutralised by Christian Cassar.

Steve Damato’s side created another chance on the 5th minute. Nicola Palmieri received the ball inside the penalty area and hit a shot that was once more saved by Cassar.

The effor put in by Senglea’s players paid off on the 24th minute. Ivan Paz went past a defender and fired a low shot that gave Cassar no chance.

Tarxen hit back a minute later. From a corner, Ayrton Azzopardi delivered a cross that was met by Ricardo Silva Faria whose header went slightly wide.

A minute from half-time time, James Brincat went through on the left side of the penalty area, but found Timmy Aquilina in his way. Senglea’s shot-stopper rushed out of his position and blocked Brincat’s shot.

The Rainbows created the first chance of the second half on the 53rd minute. Silva Faria hit a low shot from inside the penalty area that sailed marginally wide.

Tarxien equalised on the 67th minute. Following a cross by Artur Benes, Ryan Darmaninin anticipated two defenders and hit a strong shot that went behind Aquilina.

Darmanin tried his luck again five minutes later. The Tarxien striker hit a drive from outside the penalty area that was saved by Aquilina.

Jose Borg’s side kept on insisting and had another opportunity on the 74th minute. Ayrton Azzopardi’s shot from distance went off target.

Senglea’s supporters protested for a penalty on the 77th minute when Terrince Vella was brought down inside the penalty area. However, the referee was not interested in the protests and signalled play on.

Cassar had to be alert to deny Senglea on the 80th minute. Augustu Rene Caseras sent Terrence Vella through on goal. The latter ran inside the penalty area, but saw his shot being saved by Cassar.

In the latter stages of the match, Senglea made desperate attempts to regain the lead. However, they were up against an organised defence. In fact , their only chance on goal came in the additional time when Caseras met Paz’s cross from a corner and headed over.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Christian Cassar, Andre Charles Scicluna, Ayrton Azzopardi, James Brincat, Luke Grech, Ryan Darmanin, Ricardo Silva Faria, Sean Cipriott, Godwin McKay, Ebiabowei Baker, Eduard Marian Calin

Senglea Athletic starting line-up: Timmy Aquilina, Jonathan Bondin, Steve Bonnici, Antonio Terraciono, Matias Garzia, Gonzalo Nicolas Virano, Nicola Palmieri, Ivan Paz, Agustu Rene Caseras, Terrince Vella, Lulian Leyton

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann

Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Ryan Aquilina

Yellow Cards: Paz (Senglea), Baker (Tarxien), Calin (Tarxien), Bondin (Senglea), Silva Faria (Tarxien)

Fourth Official: Ishmael Barbara

BOV Player of the Match: Ivan Paz (Senglea Athletic)