Tarxien Rainbows took a significant step toward safety in the Closing Round standings on Tuesday, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mosta at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

The decisive moment arrived early in the first half. In their first meaningful attack in the 17th minute, Junior Erico unleashed a powerful strike that took a wicked deflection off Mosta captain Jake Vassallo. The unfortunate touch left goalkeeper David Akpan stranded as the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Mosta responded with urgency and were nearly level just after the half-hour mark. Joaquim Fernandes launched a thunderous drive that seemed destined for the goal, but Tarxien custodian Andrea Cassar produced a world-class save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar to preserve the lead.

The Blues were handed a golden opportunity to equalise just before the interval. In the 44th minute, Petar Panic was judged to have fouled Prince Emmanuel inside the box, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot. However, Cassar once again proved to be the hero for Jacques Scerri’s side, diving brilliantly to deny Fernandes’ spot-kick.

Mosta continued to push for a leveller in the second half, with Joao Victor testing Cassar from distance in the 65th minute, but the goalkeeper remained unbeatable. Tarxien nearly doubled their lead five minutes from time through substitute Marko Musulin, whose long-range effort was well-handled by Akpan.

The Rainbows held firm through the closing stages to claim all three points, a result that moves them out of the bottom two and provides a massive boost to their survival hopes.