FLORIANA-3, LIJA ATHLETIC-0
Floriana cruised into the second round of the U*Bet FA Trophy after a victory over Division One side Lija Athletic at the Hibs Stadium this evening.
Ivan Woods inspired Floriana’s victory as the veteran forward scored in each half to dash any hopes Lija may have had of causing an upset.
The Malta veteran put the Greens ahead after six minutes, scoring with a low shot after being put through by Christian Cassar.
The Premier League side failed to convert a string of chances before Woods put their minds at rest when scoring with a powerful free-kick 18 minutes from the end. Young midfielder Clyde Borg increased Floriana’s advantage six minutes from time, hitting home at the far post after receiving from Manolito Micallef.
In stoppage time, Lija goalkeeper Sean Mintoff prevented Floriana from adding to their lead when touching away Christian Caruana’s close-range header from Michael Mecerod’s cross.