Caruana at the double as Greens end drought

Floriana 2
Caruana 73, 90
Marsaxlokk 1
Alcorse 60

Without a win in nine Championship Pool matches, Floriana ended their dismal run in their final outing of the season yesterday when they edged Marsaxlokk 2-1.

Christian Caruana was the architect of Floriana's success yesterday as the skilful midfielder-cum-forward capped a very lively display with two goals that consigned Marsaxlokk to their first loss in six matches.

The Blues will have felt hard done by the outcome of yesterday's match as they created several scoring chances in the final 15 minutes but they couldn't find a way past Glenn Zammit who had an outstanding match in Floriana's goal.

To add to Marsaxlokk's woes, Julio Alcorse was sent off after getting two bookings for dissent... another act of petulance by the temperamental Argentine striker.

Brazilian forward Marcelo Pereira and Carlo Mamo were the two notable absentees from Marsaxlokk's squad yesterday. Pereira suffered a foot injury in his team's 2-1 win over Valletta and Mamo was suspended.

Coach Patrick Curmi handed a first-team recall to midfielder Christian Cassar, Malcolm Licari and Clive Brincat but Gareth Sciberras had to make do with a place on the bench.

Floriana coach Tony Alamango will have pondered long and hard on his starting XI as several regular players were not fit to start.

Ryan Darmanin and Sunday Eboh were among the substitutes while Owen Bugeja and Steve Bonnici were out of the squad.

In Eboh's absence, Argentine midfielder Pablo Doffo was asked to fill in for the Nigerian-born defender.

Scoring opportunities were something of a rarity for much of the opening half-hour.

The only episode of note in the early exchanges was a fine run and a shot by Christian Caruana that was blocked by Reuben Debono, the Marsaxlokk goalkeeper.

As the end of the first period approached, the tempo of the game improved. Floriana's Mauro Brincat swung over a cross-cum-shot that came off the crossbar and, at the other end, two shots by William Camenzuli were saved by Zammit.

Four minutes from half-time, Marsaxlokk would have opened the scoring but for a great save from Zammit. Chris Camilleri crossed to Alcorse in the box and the Argentine lofted the ball towards Kevin Sammut. The Malta midfielder swivelled to hit a strong first-time volley but Zammit tipped the ball over.

The second half was in its infancy when the erstwhile subdued Dylan Zarb almost surprised Debono with a dipping shot but his effort sailed over.

Caruana's subtle movement in attack was causing problems to the Marsaxlokk defenders but the nippy Floriana forward received little support from the midfielders.

Marsaxlokk struggled to make an attacking impact in the initial stages of the second half but it was they that broke the deadlock on the hour mark.

Camenzuli provided the assist with a looping cross from the left and Alcorse controlled the ball at the far post before blasting past Zammit from point blank.

With 18 minutes left, Caruana's teasing run was stopped by Brian Said's illegal challenge. Brincat's swerving free-kick was tipped away for a corner by Debono. From the ensuing corner, Brincat served Doffo whose effort was beaten away by Debono but Caruana powered the rebound into the net.

Like Marsaxlokk, Alcorse has had a turbulent season and his last outing was a microcosm of his campaign. Having been one of Marsaxlokk's most creative elements, the Argentine marred his performance when he earned two yellow cards in a matter of seconds for persistent protests.

Despite their numerical handicap, Marsaxlokk refused to forfeit the initiative. The revitalised Sammut came close to restoring Marsaxlokk's lead when he finished a strong run with a firm drive that was deflected just wide.

Marsaxlokk would have killed Floriana but for another two fine saves by Zammit who repelled successive attempts by Camenzuli and Camilleri.

In stoppage time, Marsaxlokk claimed penalty when Said's header appeared to come off the hands of a Floriana defender but referee Andre Arciola saw nothing wrong.

Marsaxlokk's frustration increased when, in injury time, the Greens snatched an unlikely winner, Caruana heading Mauro Brincat's corner past Debono.

Floriana
G. Zammit-8.5, J. Brincat-5, C. Camoin-5, P. Doffo-6, J. Briffa-5.5, D. Pisani-5, L. Agius-5.5 ('78 V. Brincat), M. Brincat-7, C. Caruana-8, D. Zarb-5 ('70 A. Abela-5), O. Anonam-5 ('36 M. Grioli-5).

Marsaxlokk
R. Debono-6, M. Licari-6.5 ('70 M. Barbara), R. Conceicao-6, B. Said-6, K. Sammut-6.5, P. Pullicino-6.5, J. Alcorse-, C. Camilleri-6, W. Camenzuli-6.5, C. Brincat-5, C. Cassar-5 ('79 G. Sciberras).

Referee: Andre Arciola.

Yellow cards: Said; Alcorse; Pullicino; Camenzuli.

Red card: Alcorse (M) 76.

BoV player of the match: Christian Caruana (Floriana).