MOSTA 2 FLORIANA 4

Floriana secured one of their easiest victories this season after finding little resistance from Mosta in a match which rarely reached great heights.

The encounter was without any particular interest with nothing to play for than mere pride.

Mario Fontanella was an inspiring form and his ‘double’ inside the first half an hour paved the way for the Greens’ easy win.

Mosta were fighting against all odds, but despite the scoreline, they gave a good account of themselves and hitting the crossbar four times, although it remained obvious that they were living in a different street.

Godwin Mensah and their young duo Kyle Frendo and James Brincat often provided anxious moments for the Greens defence but their conclusions were found wanting.

Floriana had already gone close in the opening minutes when the Italian striker struck the foot of the post after he rounded off the onrushing goalkeeper Omar Borg, before they eventually took the lead in the 12th minute though Juninho Cabral who hit a great shot behind Borg.

Floriana were 2-0 ahead in the 15th minute when from a Mauricio Villa cross, Fontanella was on hand to hit home.

On the half hour mark, Villa hit the upright with a header from Steve Pisani’s cross. The ball went to Fontanella who made it 3-0.

They maintained the initiative but once, Mosta went close through Frendo whose shot from the edge of the area smacked against the upright.

In the 38th minute, Villa made it even more convincing for Floriana when he headed the ball behind the helpless Borg after all the spadework had been down to Fontanella.

Mosta almost found the net before half-time but James Brincat’s curling shot came off the bar before bouncing off to safety.

Past the hour mark, Mosta hit the woodwork for the third time as Frendo’s powerful drive from outside the area crashed against the post with the Floriana keeper beaten.

Moments later, Mosta finally reduced the margin when referee Mario Apap awarded them a penalty after Neil Spiteri brought down Zachary Brincat. From the spot-kick, Mensah scored in style.

After the break, Floriana reduced the rhythm and Mosta pulled back a second goal after 71 minutes. Donatus Okonkwo advanced alone before setting up Mensah to beat Grech with a low drive.

Eight minutes from time, Brincat delivered an inviting ball to Mensah who arched his head to caress the bar.