FLORIANA-2, PEMBROKE-3

Pembroke Athleta surrendered a two-goal lead but a late goal from Brazilian substitute Gustavo Da Silva handed them a 3-2 victory over a poor Floriana team.

With this win, Pembroke secured their Premier League status while Floriana are now effectively out of the top-four race.

Floriana came into this match on a high after their 2-0 derby win but it was Pembroke Athleta who took the lead on 12 minutes.

From Alex Cini's throw-in, Gustavo Villalobos controlled the ball before hitting a superb volley that had the better of Matthew Calleja Cremona, the Floriana goalkeeper.

It took the Greens a while to settle but they threatened to equalise when Mauricio Villa's header, from Juninho's corner, hit the crossbar.

Just before half-time, Floriana had another good chance as Villa's headed assist released Nicolas Chiesa but the Argentine captain nodded wide with the goal at his mercy.

Floriana's task became more difficult as, nine minutes into the second half, they fell further behind. Villalobos's through-ball released Mano Micallef who stormed clear in the box before lifting the ball over Calleja Cremona.

Pembroke looked well-placed to secure the win as Floriana struggled for fluency but the game turned on its head in the last 10 minutes when the Greens were awarded two penalties.

Villalobos's foul on Villa prompted referee Sandro Spiteri to point to the spot. Mario Fontanella converted.

Barely two minutes later, Villa was again tripped inside the box, this time by Bugeja, and Fontanella equalised.

Floriana's confidence grew but they suffered a setback a minute from the end when Matteo Piciollo.

Pembroke made the most of their numerical supremacy as, a minute into stoppage time, Villalobos freed substitute Gustavo Da Silva who advanced before slotting past Calleja Cremona.

Micallef, the Pembroke winger, was named BOV player of the match.