FLORIANA 4 PEMBROKE 2

Substitute Juninho Cabral claimed a late brace as Floriana returned to winning ways in pulsating encounter that produced six goals, three of which in a frenetic last 10 minutes with Floriana having the last laugh to eclipse Pembroke.

When it looked as though the first half would end goalless, Piciollo stepped up in added time to break the deadlock. Steve Pisani’s cross from corner fell into the path of the Italian striker who hit a crisp first-time volley that flashed into the top corner.

Pembroke came out for the second half determined to get back on level terms. In fact after 50 minutes, Floriana defence was unlocked by a neat three-man move. Siraj Arab picked the ball on the right flank and exchanged it with Gustavo Danobrega. Villalobos running in on the other side met the American’s cross to put the ball behind Calleja Cremona.

But the drama was not over yet as Floriana regained the lead seven minutes later. Pisani’s corner was met by Marcelina who headed firmly home.

The Greens slowly regained a stronghold on the proceedings and continued to create the better chances. Ten minutes from time, they hit a third when substitute Juninho Cabral went down in the Pembroke penalty area when shadowed by Patmore Shereni and referee Stefan Pace pointed to the spot. The Brazilian picked himself up to beat Muscat from the penalty.

Pembroke looked jaded but they were back into the match four minutes from time. Latching onto a shortly-taken freekick by substitute Manolito Micallef, Villalobos darted into the box before hitting a fierce shot that bulged the net.

No more than two minutes had passed when Juninho was at it again, bursting past Miguel Attard before hitting a low drive past Muscat to restore Floriana’s two-goal cushion.