FLORIANA-0, BIRKIRKARA-0

Birkirkara and Floriana had to settle for a point apiece after their clash ended goalless.

As was to be expected in light of the two teams' determination to collect the points and consolidate their position in the top part of the standings, the game turned into a hard-fought encounter with Floriana the better team in the first hour. Their hopes rose when Birkirkara's Joseph Zerafa was sent off but, surprisingly, this incident spurred the Stripes to increase their efforts.

They had a couple of chances to score but Vito Plus was denied by the crossbar as the stalemate prevailed. The outcome will have pleased Birkirkara coach Giovanni Tedesco who was facing Floriana, his former club, for the first time since taking charge of the FA Trophy winners in the summer.
Floriana's aggressive approach gave them an edge in the first half.

They had the better chances but Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber thwarted them on a couple of occasions.

The Greens threatened after 10 minutes through Mario Fontanella whose angled drive came off the side-netting.

There was an even better chance for Floriana midway into the first half as Nicolas Chiesa's free-kick caused a goalmouth melee but Mauricio Villa blasted over from point blank distance.

At the other end, Fabrizio Miccoli's cross, from a free-kick, unsettled the Floriana defence but goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona came out to deflect the danger.
Late in the first half, Floriana appealed for a penalty after Mauricio Mazzetti appeared to have pushed Villa but referee Mario Apap waved play on. The second half started on a low-key note but a series of abrasive tackles increased the level of tension.

Danger loomed for Floriana when Ryan Scicluna's excellent pass from the right released Camenzuli who sped into the box from the left only to collide with Chiesa. "Penalty" shouted the Birkirkara supporters but referee Mario Apap was not impressed.

For Floriana, Chiesa went close with a curling free-kick that whizzed past the upright. The Greens received a boost midway into the second half when Birkirkara left-back Joseph Zerafa was sent off after earning a second booking for a late tackle on Chiesa.

A man down, Birkirkara upped their efforts to increase the pressure on Floriana.
Scicluna's drive from the distance was narrowly wide and, a minute later, Plut's header, from Liliu's cross, hit the crossbar.

Chiesa, the Floriana captain, was named BOV player of the match.