Tarxien dent Balzan’s title hopes

Football Bank of Valletta Premier League

selves to a healthier place in the standings, though not yet out of trouble.

Tarxien thought they had taken the lead on seven minutes when Boubacar Traore found the net after being served by Faria, but the point was disallowed on the flagging of the assistant referee for an offside infringement.

Balzan here took the initiative but rarely looked dangerous in front of goal.

The Rainbows stunned the leaders on 35 minutes when they took a surprise lead. It was again Faria who crossed over for Traore to head past goalie Sean Mintoff.

Balzan reacted and on 41 minutes, Kaljevic controlled the ball well, but saw his effort well saved by goalie Cassar.

Balzan also had another chance before the interval as da Paixao Alves saw his good effort going over.

Balzan were more determined on the changeover, but Cassar made a good save off Ljubomirac and da Paixao again had a good effort going wide.

They went close to an equalizer on 58 minutes as Michael Johnson hit the crossbar with a header, followed by another Cassar save on a Paul Fenech shot.

Tarxien doubled their lead on 74 minutes through Edward Calin, but Balzan fought back into contention, scoring through Alex da Paixao Alves with a low shot.

Balzan appealed in vain for a penalty on 83 minutes when Milos Lepovic might have been fouled, but referee Zammit opted for a yellow card to the Balzan player for simulation. As it was his second card, he was dismissed and Balzan had to continue with 10 men.

Two minutes later, it was 3-1 for the Rainbows as Tounkara beat Mintoff with a low shot.