YoHealth Malta Premier Closing Round – Bottom 6 11th Place Decider
Żabbar St Patrick…..2
Tarxien Rainbows….3
Tarxien Rainbows came out on top in a dramatic relegation battle against Żabbar St Patrick, winning 3-2 after extra time to force another decisive meeting between the two sides on Saturday.
The winners of that match will retain their place in the Premier League, while the losers will face the consequences of a tense and unforgiving Bottom 6 campaign.
After a goalless first half, Tarxien broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when Panic rose highest from a corner and headed past Issufe Djalo to make it 1-0.
Żabbar looked beaten, but deep into added time they found a dramatic equaliser. In the 96th minute, Tarxien goalkeeper Spiteri failed to hold the ball and Ayom Majok reacted quickly before squaring low for Jovancic, who finished from close range to make it 1-1.
There was still more late drama as Żabbar thought they had completed the turnaround through Fontanella, who headed in after challenging Spiteri. However, following a video support review, referee Ishmael Barbara ruled the goal out for an infringement on the goalkeeper.
Żabbar did take the lead in extra time when Cejas headed in from the right in the 93rd minute, putting Gilbert Agius’ side ahead for the first time.
But Tarxien refused to fold. In the 103rd minute, Valverde pounced inside the area after Żabbar failed to clear Da Silva Rosa’s delivery, firing home to level the score at 2-2.
With penalties looming, Tarxien struck the decisive blow in the 118th minute. Musulin delivered a low ball from the right and Da Silva Rosa turned it in with his foot to seal a memorable 3-2 victory for the Rainbows.
The result means Tarxien and Żabbar will meet again on Saturday, this time with Premier League survival on the line.
Player of the match: Nhaysonn Huanne Da Silva Rosa, Tarxien Rainbows.
Referee: Ishmael Barbara.
