FLORIANA-2, VITTORIOSA STARS-1
Floriana gained their first win of the season after edging Vittoriosa Stars 2-1.
The Greens left it late to secure the points as their goals came in the final four minutes with Vittoriosa scoring a consolation goal just before the final whistle.
Victory for Floriana reduced their deficit to minus two points while Vittoriosa remain on one point.
The game was off to a slow start but Floriana took control as the first half moved on.
On 15 minutes, Floriana appealed for a penalty when Steve Pisani ended on the turf after being challenged by Michael Camilleri but referee Glenn Tonna allowed play to continue.
Floriana came close to opening the scoring on 18 minutes but were denied by Vittoriosa Stars goalkeeper Sean Cini. Pisani's right-wing corner flew towards the centre of the penalty area and Ibok Edet's header sailed towards Brooke Farrugia whose close-range attempt was blocked by Cini.
Siraj Arab then produced a fine solo move as the Vittoriosa Stars winger, cutting in from the right, beat two defenders but his pass was deflected away for a corner.
On 25 minutes, the woodwork came to Vittoriosa's rescue as Farrugia's shot from just outside the box came off the post.
In a rare Vittoriosa Stars counter-attack, Malcolm Buttigieg's long pass turned sent Oscar Guerrero clear but the Colombian forward's cross-shot was saved by Daniel Hanford, the Floriana goalkeeper.
On the stroke of half-time, Floriana wasted another great chance to go ahead as Clyde Borg hit a cute reverse pass to free Pisani but the latter fired over with only Cini to beat.
Six minutes into the second half, Vittoriosa were dangerous on the counter as Ramon sent a long ball to Siraj Arab who ran into the box but was dispossessed by Sacha Borg after taking a touch too many.
Daniel Bogdanovic, on as a substitute, should have scored when, a minute past the hour, Gary Muir's cross from the right rolled in the Malta forward's direction but his attempt was wide and high.
Floriana were finding it hard to find a way past the dogged Vittoriosa defence.
A harmless cross by Coronado was fumbled by Cini but no Floriana player was on hand to hit home.
Pisani then rifled over from a good position after receiving from Coronado.
Floriana were unlucky not to break the deadlock when Coronado laid the ball back to Clyde Borg who produced a powerful drive that rattled the crossbar.
Another golden chance went abegging when Pisani burst through the Vittoriosa defence but his grounder rolled past the far post.
Vittoriosa threatened to hit Vittoriosa on the counter as Pereira, fastening onto a long ball from Marcio Teruel, stormed into the box but the Brazilian's effort was blocked.
With three minutes remaining, Floriana scored. Coronado passed to the unmarked Bogdanovic whose dipping volley gave Cini no chance.
In stoppage time, Floriana secured their win when Clyde Borg lobbed the ball towards Pisani who headed home.
Vittoriosa managed to reduce the deficit through Guerrero who poked the ball into an empty net after receiving from Gilbert Martin.
Floriana's Clyde Borg was named BOV player of the match.