BIRKIRKARA-1, FLORIANA-1

Floriana came from behind to snatch a poin tagainst Birkirkara today.

Aman Verma's second-half equaliser extended Floriana's positive run to five games while Birkirkara have lost further ground in the title race after figuring in their third consecutive draw.

Eight minutes into the game, Jhonnattann waded his way through the centre but his shot was saved by Tony Warner, the Floriana goalkeeper.Birkikara took a deserved lead on 15 minutes when Nikola Vukanac met Jhonnattann's corner with a powerful header that beat Warner hands down.

Birkirkara were the livelier side for much of the first half as Floriana struggled to produce any decent attacks.Verma had a low free-kick saved by Ini Aktpan, the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

Birkirkara missed a good chance to extend their lead when Edward Herrera, making headway on the right, passed to Mifsud Triganza but the latter's close-range attempt was too weak to trouble Warner.

Late in the first half, Jhonnattan's long-range screamer was pushed away for a corner by Warner after the Brazilian had swapped passes with Mifsud Triganza.Eight minutes into the second half, Herrera produced a dipping cross from outside the box but Mifsud Triganza's central header was saved by Warner.

Floriana gained an unexpected equaliser on 63 minutes, Verma's backheader from Igor Coronado's free-kick had the better of Aktpan.

The Stripes went close to regaining their lead but Jhonnattann's swerving shot from the distance came off the post before Floriana cleared the ball away for a corner.

From the corner, Alejandro Mendoza flicked the ball into the net but the Spanish defender was offside.

In stoppage time, Tyrone Farrugia, the Floriana captain, blocked a shot by Paul Fenech with the loose ball falling to Jhonnattann who hit over the bar.Floriana had a Verma free-kick which sailed over the bar.

Birkirkara's Jhonnattann was voted BOV player of the match.