Tarxien Rainbows returned to winning ways as they defeated Valletta 3-1 at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday.

A win which puts Winston Muscat’s side fourth from bottom on eight points, one ahead of Birkirkara – their opponents on Wednesday in a matches which was postponed last week.

This defeat extends the disappointing run for Valletta after earning just two points from the previous two matches.

Tarxien took the lead on the 20th minute thanks to a great direct freekick by Darren Falzon which gave goalkeeper Henry Bonello no chance.

Two minutes in the second half, the Rainbows doubled the score when Vanger Conceicao advanced on the left, exchanged the ball with Vito Plut who returned the compliment and the Brazilian slotted past Bonello.

On the 50th, Tarxien scored the third goal when Matthew Spiteri received an assist from the right, hitting home from close range.

Valletta reduced the gap on the 64th minute thanks to an own goal by Eduardo Rosado who headed the ball past goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes in an attempt to clear the ball following a cross from the left. 

Tarxien Daniel Marcio Fernandes, Brandon Muscat, Daniel Zerafa (Anderson Carneiro Do Nascimento 46), Darren Falzon, Matthew Spiteri, Vito Plut (Keith Attard 88), Jurgen Debono, Vanger da Silva Conceicao (Karl Pulo 84), Eduardo Rosado Souza, Kyle Gatt, Matthew Tabone.
Coach: Winston Muscat

Valletta Henry Bonello, Jonathan Caruana, Ryan Camilleri, Triston Caruana, Santiago Malano (Jonathan Ivan Requena 46), Enmy Manuel Pena Beltre, Joseph Zerafa (Shaun Dimech 46), Leandro Aguirre (20-Taisei Marukawa 52), Miguel Angel Alba, Ryan Femech, Mario Fontanella.
Coach: Jesmond Zerafa

Referee: Darryl Agius
Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, James Muscat
Fourth Official: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Yellow Cards: J. Zerafa, M. A. Alba (V), K. Gatt, M. Spiteri, D. M. Fernandes, B. Muscat, V. Conceicao Da Silva (T)
BOV Player of the Match: Vito Plut