Floriana ease past 10-man Lions to boost top four hopes

It was a well-deserved victory for a Floriana team that performed with continuity throughout the 90 minutes against a Jesmond Zerafa side who only made a reaction after the game was already decided. Any hopes of Naxxar taking anything out of this match were shattered early in the first half when goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi was sent off.

The first half was very entertaining to watch with several chances being created by both sides. Floriana’s first real chance came after 16 minutes when running onto a long ball, Plut went into the Naxxar area before setting up Steve Pisani only for his effort to be blocked by the Naxxar keeper.

Naxxar tried to hurt Floriana with pace and a run by Uchenna Emenike down the left wing, ended with the supply of a dangerous cross towards Vella, his effort being turned for a corner.

Floriana almost scored a brilliant goal through Emerson Marcelina who shot a remarkable long range effort that hit the crossbar. Naxxar could also have taken the lead after a good pass by Vella towards Emenike who after a good run going past Borg, miscued his attempt at goal.

Floriana went ahead half way in the first half when after a cross by Gary Muir, Pisani was ready to put the ball into the net. Shortly after the goal, Naxxar’s hopes were dealt a blow when keeper Azzopardi was shown a straight red after bringing down Plut inside the box.  From the resultant penalty, Gary Muir scored his second with a well taken kick

With Floriana the more likely to increase their lead, it was Naxxar who reduced the gap after Darren Falzon’s header ended with the ball hitting the far post, for the ball to fall back to Emenike who had no difficulty putting the ball into the net.

In the second half Floriana kept their superiority and to no surprise, managed to restore a two goal lead from another penalty after a hand ball from Naxxar debutant Albert Bruce. From the penalty spot, Douglas made it 3-1.

It was then Piciollo’s time to get his name on the score sheet with a fine flick which ended in the top corner.

Towards the late stages of the game, Emenike was denied a second goal by the post.

Piciollo of Floriana, was voted the BOV player of the match.