Floriana 0 Birkirkara 3

After the abject performance in the upset to Hibernians last Thursday,Birkirkara hit back in convincing style today with Shola Shodiya-Haruana running the show with a goal and two stunning assists.

There was no shortage of newcomers on view as player-coach Ivan Woods  was intent on using this warm-up to gauge the creditionals ofthree players currently having a trial with Floriana.

Spanish defender Alejandro Bolanos Garcia formed a central defensive partnership with youngster Francesco Guzman. The former compatriot, a 21-year-oldstriker, Antonio de La Torre partnered Ryan Darmanin in attack while Kelvin Onosiughe who was on the books of Pieta' Hotspurs last season played off the two strikers.

John Agius started in goal ahead of Jurgen Borg while Sacha Borg replaced Andre Grabowski on the left flank.

Just over 21 minutes had elapsed when Birkirkara nosed ahead in a freak way when Gauci's clearance from inside his own area bounced 20 metres from the Floriana's goal and, with the help of the wind, freed Shola Shodiya-Haruana behind the Greens defence before the Nigerian produced a delightful chip over Agius.

After a sluggish start, the new Moroccan striker El- Ghaouti came into the picture in the 63rd minute when he supplied a through pass to Shodiya. The Nigerian's combination of drag-back and mini-dribble was not only majestic to watch but it ensured Jorge was onside, unmarked to poke home.

Birkirkara sealed  their win in the stoppage time when El- Ghaouti stretched   to head in Shodiya's inviting cross into an open goal.

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