Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1104601
28 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 APRIL 2019 BOV PREMIER LEAGUE SPORTS WARREN ZAMMIT PIETÀ are destined to return to the First Division after just one season as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Tarxien Rainbows that leaves them anchored at the bottom of the table. Tarxien came into this match looking to secure a win that would practically secure their place in the Premier League. The Rainbows were coming from a 2-0 defeat against Balzan. On the other hand, Pietà se- cured a precious 3-1 win in their previous match against St Andrews. However, the Hotspurs are still bottom of the table and thus they need- ed a victory at all costs from this match in order to remain hopeful of avoiding relega- tion. Tarxien were reduced to ten men after just eight minutes. Following a long ball forward from Pietà's goalkeeper, Ga- briel Mensah ran forward to- wards the penalty area before being tripped by Matthew Ta- bone. The referee immediately sig- nalled for a foul and sent off Tarxien's defender in what can be considered as debat- able decision. Conscious that they had an extra man on the pitch, Pi- età increased their efforts and controlled possession. How- ever, they were finding it dif- ficult to penetrate Tarxien's defence. In fact, Tarxien did what Pi- età failed to do as they man- aged to break the deadlock against the run of play on the 28th minute. Alex Wemmer saw space and fired a power- ful drive that stunned Nicho- las Vella. This goal was the first and last opportunity on goal cre- ated during the first half as Tarxien went into half-time enjoying a narrow 1-0 lead. The tempo of the match remained slow during the second half as Pietà failed to make the most out of their numerical advantage. Ramon Zammit's men final- ly managed to create a chance on goal on the 57th minute. Dylan Agius sent a shot from distance that ended up mar- ginally off target. Tarxien replied three min- utes later. Siraj Arab was played through on the right side of the penalty area, but failed to hit the target from close range. Wemmer sealed the issue for Tarxien on the 68th minute. Jacson De Paixao's delivery from a corner was met by the German player who headed the ball home. Andrea Cassar was on the alert to deny Pietà on the 88th minute. Agius sent a volley from outside the penalty ar- ea that was tipped behind by Tarxien's custodian. However, it was too late for Pietà as the Hotspurs seem destined for relegation. The scenario is quite differ- ent for Tarxien since this win practically guaranteed their place in the Premier League for another season. Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Andrea Cassar, Jens Alex Wemmer, Juan Gill Cruz (Andrew Agius-75), Daniel Zerafa, Gabriel Aquilina, Siraj Eddin Arab (Matthew Spi- teri-70), Destin Mambouana, Anderson De Barros, Mat- thew Tabone, Alexander Nils- son (Michele Paolucci-85), Jacson De Paixao Pietà Hotspurs starting line-up: Nicholas Vella, Ose Takaki, Neil Pace Cocks (Jake Ghio – 45), Dylan Agius, Paul Chimezie, Gabriel Mensah, Christian Grech, Uchenna Umeh Calistus, Ishaya Irmiya Jalo, James Scicluna (Nicholas Pisani- 31), Antonio Macedo Referee: Philip Farrugia Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Duncan Spencer Fourth Official: Fyodor Zammit BOV Player of the Match: Alex Jens Wemmer (Tarxien) Pietà closer to First Division after defeat against Tarxien Rainbows Tarxien Rainbows Pietà Hotspurs 2 0 PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIC BORG