Zabbar St. Patrick and Tarxien Rainbows kept their survival hopes alive in dramatic fashion on Friday, as both sides secured crucial victories in the YoHealth Malta Premier Closing Round Bottom 6โsetting up a decisive showdown to determine their fate.
At the National Stadium, Zabbar St. Patrick delivered a commanding performance with a 3โ0 win over Hibernians. The result, however, was not enough to guarantee safety. Zabbar finished level on points with Tarxien Rainbows, meaning their battle to avoid the dreaded second-from-bottom positionโand a relegation play-offโwill be settled in a decider scheduled for Tuesday.
Zabbarโs victory was built on a clinical spell in the first half. Mario Fontanella struck twice in quick succession between the 31st and 34th minutes, putting his side firmly in control. Ayom Majok then sealed the win early in the second half, finding the net eight minutes after the restart to cap off a comfortable outing.
Meanwhile, at the Centenary Stadium, Tarxien Rainbows edged past Sliema Wanderers 2โ1 in a tense encounter that kept their survival hopes alive. Tarxien made a dream start when an own goal by Neil Frendo gave them the lead after just eight minutes. Sliema responded on 28 minutes, with veteran Edmond Agiusโplaying his final match before retirementโcoolly converting from the penalty spot.
The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Manyluak Aguek converted another penalty to restore Tarxienโs lead and ultimately secure all three points. Sliemaโs frustrations were compounded deep into stoppage time when Fernandinho was sent off.
The implications of these results are significant. Had Tarxien failed to win, they would have finished second from bottom and, having already ended last in the Opening Round, faced automatic relegation. Instead, they now have a lifeline.
With both Zabbar and Tarxien level on points, Tuesdayโs decider will determine their fate. A Tarxien victory would see Zabbar finish second from bottom, forcing both teams into a relegation play-off. Conversely, a Zabbar win would condemn Tarxien Rainbows to automatic relegation.
All eyes now turn to the decisive clash, where one team will secure survival while the other faces the harsh reality of relegation or a final battle to stay up.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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