SLIEMA WANDERERS-0, FLORIANA-1
Floriana secured a timely boost ahead of their clash with neighbouring rivals Valletta next week as the Greens overcome Sliema Wanderers 1-0 in the Old Firm derby this afternoon.
Ivan Woods was the toast of Floriana as his fifth-minute strike gave his team three precious points and condemned Sliema, his former club, to their third consecutive defeat.
Floriana threatened to forge ahead inside the opening two minutes. Woods pulled the back for Christian Caruana but Sliema defender Sekou Tidiane Souare was swiftly across to block the Floriana striker’s effort.
The Greens broke the stalemate after five minutes Clyde Borg sent in a low cross from the right and the ball was deflected into the path of Woods who rifled past Viktor Szentpeteri.
Rattled by Floriana’s early breakthrough, Sliema struggled to find their rhythm. Pablo Doffo capitalised on a mistake by Mark Scerri but his effort was too weak to trouble Szentpeteri..
Sliema’s first attack almost produced an equaliser. Mifsud Triganza dribbled his way through only to be brought down by Brian Said who conceded a free-kick just outside the box. Valdo Alhinho’s powerful shot from the free-kick was pushed away with some difficulty by Floriana’s Tunisian goalkeeper Lofti Saidi.
Floriana’s early pressure receded as the first half moved on but Sliema rarely troubled their opponents.
Caruana rounded Beppe Muscat but curled the ball wide of the far post. At the other end, James, Paris surged down the left and passed to Mifsud Triganza whose swerving effort was saved by Saidi.
Close to the half-hour mark, Woods sped clear through the middle but his grounder was beaten away by Szentpeteri.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Floriana who almost doubled their lead three minutes into the second half. Christian Cassar’s corner from the right sailed towards Ryan Darmanin who headed against the crossbar.
Scoring chances were few and far between in the second half as Sliema’s struggles persisted.
With 15 minutes left, Mifsud Triganza almost scored what would have been an outstanding equaliser for Sliema as his thumping drive from outside the box crashed against the underside of the crossbar with the ball landing in the goalmouth.
Floriana’s Woods was named BOV player of the match.