Naxxar Lions struck twice early in the second half to overcome ten-man Tarxien Rainbows 2-1 and register their second consecutive victory.

Winston Muscat’s side climbed to fourth place in the standings, one point ahead of Valletta and Sliema Wanderers and two clear of Birkirkara. Tarxien, meanwhile, slipped to second from bottom following Żabbar St Patrick’s win over Birkirkara.

Lions on the Front Foot

Naxxar welcomed Theo Kruger and Louis Pahama back into the starting line-up, while Tarxien made two changes from their midweek win over Mosta, with Marko Musulin and Angel Valverde coming in.

The Lions dictated the early tempo and forced goalkeeper Andreas Cassar into action on several occasions. He produced a smart save to deny Pahama early on and later kept out a Kruger free-kick on 19 minutes. An Edson Farias effort from the edge of the area was also comfortably dealt with by the Tarxien custodian late in the first half.

Tarxien’s best chance before the break fell to Andreas Vella, whose angled drive was parried by Naxxar goalkeeper Matthias Debono.

Vitinho Makes the Difference

Naxxar resumed the second half with intent and went close through Kruger, but they were not to be denied moments later. On 48 minutes, Vitinho ghosted in unmarked to slot home from a cross on the left and give the Lions a deserved lead.

Tarxien’s task became even harder two minutes later when Miguel D’Alessandro, already on a booking, brought down Vinicius Baiano inside the area. Referee Daniel Portelli issued a second yellow card, reducing the Rainbows to ten men, and Vitinho calmly converted from the penalty spot to double Naxxar’s advantage.

The dismissal and second goal effectively ended Tarxien’s hopes of salvaging a result.

Late Consolation

The Rainbows did manage to pull one back deep into stoppage time. Following a corner, Kwasi Donsu controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful shot that left Debono with no chance.

However, it proved to be no more than a consolation as Naxxar held on comfortably to secure three valuable points in their push for a Top Six finish.