YoHealth Malta Premier 2025/26 – Bottom 6 – MD32
Tarxien Rainbows…..2
Sliema Wanderers.…1
Tarxien Rainbows kept their Premier League survival hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sliema Wanderers, a result which now sends them into a decisive clash against Żabbar Saint Patrick.
For Tarxien, there is no margin for error. After beating Sliema, they must now overcome Żabbar in the decider if they are to complete their survival mission and remain in the top flight.
The first attempt arrived in the third minute, when Musulin fired from distance and Al Tumi turned the effort behind for a corner. Tarxien took the lead in the eighth minute when Barbosa’s cross from the right was turned into his own net by Neil Frendo as he attempted to clear.
Sliema created their first dangerous move in the 22nd minute through Magri Overend, who beat several players before finding himself in front of the goal, only for the goalkeeper to block his effort. A minute later, Tarxien replied, but Al Tumi was equal to Schmidt’s shot.
In the 27th minute, Luke Borg failed to control the ball properly and fouled Plut while attempting to clear, with the referee pointing to the spot. Edmond Agius made no mistake from 11 metres, striking firmly to level the score.
Sliema threatened again in the 40th minute through Awad, whose effort went narrowly wide. In added time at the end of the first half, Schmidt had the ball in the net for Tarxien, but the goal was ruled out following an FVS review.
The second half began quietly, although Tarxien, aware of the result Żabbar were producing elsewhere, knew they had to increase the pressure in search of all three points.
In the 59th minute, Da Silva Rosa saw his effort from a corner cleared off the line. Five minutes later, Sliema were awarded another penalty following contact on Magri Overend, but the decision was overturned after an FVS review.
In the 69th minute, Al Tumi turned Barbosa’s free-kick behind for a corner, and three minutes later, Lokosa’s shot struck Edmond Agius on the arm. After another FVS consultation, Tarxien were awarded a penalty, and substitute Aguek converted with a low finish from 11 metres.
In the 85th minute, Spiteri, helped by the post, preserved Tarxien’s lead by keeping out Montebello’s curling effort.
In the closing stages, Edmond Agius was substituted as he made the final appearance of his playing career. Sliema also ended the match with ten men after Junior Gomes was sent off for a challenge on Barbosa.
