City, Greens in derby draw

FLORIANA-1, VALLETTA-1

Floriana strengthened their chances of claiming the runners-up spot after holding champions and rivals Valletta to a one-all draw in this evening's derby.

The stalemate pleased both sides as Valletta maintained their unbeaten record and the Greens moved two points clear of third-placed Birkirkara before their direct clash next weekemd.

After just two minutes, Thomas Paris supplied a through-ball that seeped through the City defence and into the path the unmarked Nwoke and Dragomir Draganov. The latter ran into the box but his pass for Nwoke was cleared away by Ramon.

The early exchanges were balanced. Ryan Fenech's cross-cum-shot from an angled free-kick sailed across the face of goal and just eluded Denni at the far post.

The next chance fell to Floriana on 19 minutes when Draganov's shot from just inside the aread was deflected wide. From the resultant corner, Christian Cassar's flighted cross drifted towards the centre of Valletta's box where Tyrone Farrugia sent a glancing header past the diving Andrew Hogg to send the Floriana fans into raptures.

Spurred on by their goal and the vocal support of their fans, the Greens were now playing with more confidence. Ian Azzopardi rescued the champions from a potentially damaging situation when heading Cassar's cross away for a corner after the latter had been released by Woods.

At the other end, Floriana goalkeeper Matthew Towns did well to block Denni after the Brazilian had capitalised on Bugeja's short pass.

With the derby meaning so much to both sets of supporters, those of Valletta fell into silence after their rivals had opened the scoring.

Things could have become more complicated for Valletta when Cassar advanced after a quickly-taken long pass had caught Valletta om the backfoot but Hogg sprinted out of goal to push the ball away from the Floriana midfielder. The loose ball dropped at the feet of Draganov whose long-range chip ended high.

From the stark prospect of going 2-0 down, Valletta made it 1-1 10 minutes from half-time. Roderick Briffa was the provider with a measured cross from the right and captain Gilbert Agius beat Towns with a downward header.

A raucous roar rose into the air as the City fans celebrated Agius's equaliser, certainly a fitting way for the Valletta captain to mark the signing of a new one-year contract with the champions.

Late in the first half, Floriana had a good chance to go back in front but Draganov's header from Cassar's free-kick landed wide of the far post.

The second half had just started when Woods produced a half-volley that was off target.

Jamie Pace tried to surprise Towns with a long-range drive but Floriana's English goalkeeper was attentive.

Floriana improved as the second half moved on, Hogg saving a low strike from Nwoke. At the other end, Kevin Sammut, who had just replaced Gilbert Agius, released Denni inside the box but the Brazilian's diagonal shot sailed wide.

As the minutes ticked away, Valletta upped the frequency of their forays into Floriana's half. Sammut came close to giving the champions the lead when he raced into the box to reach Briffa's return pass but the City midfielder was closed down by the Floriana defenders.

Denni then headed wide from an inviting position following a cross from Briffa.

Late on, Andrade, a second-half substitute, unleashed a powerful volley that ended high and wide.

Floriana defender Farrugia was named BOV player of the match.