FLORIANA-2, NAXXAR LIONS-1

Floriana scored twice in the second half to see off the spirited challenge of Naxxar Lions in a tense game that produced a plethora of yellow cards and one red card.

Naxxar, keen to atone for their 7-0 mauling at the hands of Hibs, had stunned Floriana with an eighth-minute opener but the latter bounced back in the second half, scoring a late winner after Angus Buhagiar, the Lions captain, had been dismissed for two yellow cards.

Floriana saw more of the ball in the first half but it was Naxxar Lions who went in for the half-time break 1-0 up. They took the lead after eight minutes, Andrew Scicluna heading home from Daren Falzon's corner.

The Greens tried to fight back but their efforts were held off by the gritty Naxxar Lions whose aggressive approach brought persistent protests from the Floriana bench.

Floriana came close to levelling matters late in the first half but Matteo Piciollo's close-range effort, from Steve Pisani's assistant, was tame and Naxxar cleared the danger.

The Greens equalised 10 minutes into the second half. Angus Buhagiar pulled down Mauricio Villa in the box and Mario Fontanella hammered past Julian Azzopardi from the penalty spot.

Floriana seized control. They had a great chance to go ahead but Chiesa's cross from a free-kick rolled past a host of players, including Andrea Scozzese at the far post.

Moments later, Fontanella, unmarked inside the box, rifled wide after being set up by Pisani.

With 14 minutes left, Naxxar suffered a setback as Angus Buhagiar was dismissed after earning a second caution for pulling Piciollo.

Clive Mizzi, the Naxxar coach, was also sent off for dissent. As he was walking towards the dressing room, Floriana scored thanks to Villa who hit home from close range after meeting Chiesa's corner.

Late on, Piciollo headed just over from Villa's cross.

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