FLORIANA-0, SLIEMA WANDERERS-1
An early goal by Nigerian striker Stanley Ohawuchi extended Sliema Wanderers’ unbeaten start to six games as the Blues battled past Old Firm rivals Floriana.
Sliema were dominant in the first half, going close to increasing their lead on several occasions but Floriana hit back after the change of ends. Their improved performance caused a few problems o Sliema but the Blues held firm to keep the pace with the front-runners.
In the early stages, Stanley Ohawuchi skied his shot over the bar from outside the box after a quick move by Abubakar Bello-Osagie and Matias Muchardi.
Sliema’s early pressure paid off after 19 minutes. Ohawuchi scored a wonderful goal, hitting a dipping volley past Floriana goalkeeper Daniel Hanford from the distance after being teed up by Bello-Osagie. Ohawuchi who conjured up a superb first-time volley that soared over Hanford and into the net.
A passage of sloppy football followed Ohawuchi’s opener but the Blues remained in control as Floriana lacked flair.
Sliema coach Alfonso Greco was forced to rejig his formation after Mark Scerri had to leave the field with a thigh injury. He was replaced by Ivan Woods.
Just past the half-hour mark, Floriana’s Gary Roberts was wide with an angled free-kick.
The Blues then unsettled Floriana defence as Paltemio Barbetti’s free-kick was headed by Stefano Bianciardi but Hanford touched the ball away for a corner.
Two minutes into the second half, Sliema threatened to add to their lead. Muchardi’s cross from a left-wing corner was missed by the on-rushing Hanford but Bello-Osagie’s header was cleared off the line by Caruana.
The woodwork then came to Floriana’s rescue as Ohawuchi’s penalty-box shot hit the far post.
Floriana came more into the picture as the second half wore on. Pisani had a goal disallowed for offside and Coronado’s low effort was saved by Henry Bonello.
Sliema threatened to punish Floriana on the counter as Ohawuchi sped clear of Andre Scicluna but his attempt was pushed away by Hanford. The Nigerian striker nodded wide from the rebound.
With 13 minutes remaining, Pisani played in a teasing cross but the sliding Coronado just failed to make contact with the ball.
Bonello saved Coronado’s grounder six minutes from time. Dawes then made a double substitution withdrawing goalkeeper Hanford, who was replaced by Sean Mintoff, as Brazilian Diogo Pinheiro came on for Farrugia.
Mintoff’s first contribution was to palm away a dangerous free-kick by Woods.
Ohawuchi was voted player of the match.