Deserved win for Floriana

FLORIANA 3, HAMRUN SPARTANS 1

Floriana stole an early lead in the race for the championship pool berth with a victory over Hamrun Spartans at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

Brian Said’s early strike established the platform and new signing Daniel Nwoke struck a quick fire double to set the team on course of a comfortable win in a game Floriana coach Todor Raykov admitted they simply could not afford to lose.

The game started at a stunning pace as Floriana stormed out of the blocks in a thrilling fashion.

The match was only five minutes old when the Nigerian collected the ball on the left hand side of the box but the striker lashed his shot straight into Omar Borg’s chest.

Nwoke had another shot saved low down by Borg, seven minutes later as the Spartans struggled to keep up Floriana’s flowing forward play as the Greens always appeared to be one step ahead of their opponents.

Floriana’s opening flurry did produce a goal fifteen minutes later when James Lee Agius’s erratic clearance from Pablo Doffo’s cross fell to the unmarked Brian Said who prodded the ball past Borg.

The Spartans responded immediately when Ryan Fenech’s free-kick was pushed away by Floriana goalkeeper Lofti Said.

In the 39^th minute, Pereira’s industry helped to launch a Spartans raid on the Floriana’s box as the Brazilian swiftly transferred the ball on the right foot only to shoot feebly at Saidi.

Within seconds, Floriana had driven the ball to the other side of the pitch thanks to Woods’ speed and agility. He lifted a perfect weighted cross towards the unmarked Nwoke who swiveled before firing a low shot behind Borg.

After the break, Floriana still maintained a stranglehold on the game as the lethargic Spartans failed to summon a reaction and at the same time, their rearguard are in constant difficulty to get to grips with Nwoke as he sent a rising shot over the bar after 52 minutes.

The Greens sealed the issue four minutes later when Duncan Pisani flicked the ball towards whose run had evaded the attentions of the Hamrun defenders. The Nigerian chested the ball before sending a delicate chip beyond Borg’s clutches. He then, received a standing ovation on the hour mark from his new fans as he made way for Marcal Guerrero Fernandes.

Seven minutes from time, Hamrun scored a consolation goal when the ball landed at the feet of Spiteri who drilled the ball home from close-range following a solo run by Ryan Fenech on the flank.

Spiteri and Fenech were at the heart of Hamrun’s belated efforts to re-open the issue. In the closing moments, Fenech hit a firm free-kick against the bar.