BOV Premier League | Sliema Wanderers 3 – Floriana 0

Floriana’s chances of playing in Europe depend solely on winning the FA Trophy as they suffered a second consecutive defeat that makes it impossible to achieve a top three finish.

Ignacio Varela of Floriana challenging Mark Scerri for the ball. Photo: Dominic Borg
Ignacio Varela of Floriana challenging Mark Scerri for the ball. Photo: Dominic Borg

Sliema started on the attack and had a goal disallowed after nineteen minutes. Following a cross from Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte, Mark Scerri anticipated Justin Haber and finished inside the net. However, the assistant referee raised his flag for an offside.

Two minutes later, Floriana were reduced to ten men after Ryan Camenzuli was shown a straight red card by referee Matthew Degabriele for committing an excessive challenge on Jean Paul Farrugia.

On the 38th minute, Frank Temille of Sliema hit a shot that ended up centimetres off target.

The Wanderers went ahead one minute prior to half time. Frank Temile sent a cross that ended up in the path of Mark Scerri who finished home.

Floriana responded on the 47th minute. Andre Scicluna delivered a cross that was met by Ignacio Varela whose header went over.

Giovanni Tedesco’s side had an excellent change to get back into the game on the 61st minute. Peter Xuereb brought down Mario Fontanella inside the penalty area and the referee ordered a penalty and sent off the Sliema player. However, Fontanella’s shot from the eleven metres mark was well saved by Giuseppe Sarao.

John Buttigieg’s side sealed the issue with two goals scored in the additional time given by the referee.

On the 91st minute, Temile served Denni Dos Santos and the latter went past Haber before delivering the ball towards Farrugia who placed it inside the net.

Two minutes later, Sliema made it 3-0. Following another fast counter attack, John Miftoff crossed the ball towards Temile and the Nigerian striker headed home.

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Giuseppe Sarao, Alex Muscat, Jonathan Pearson, Denni Dos Santos, Mark Scerri, Matias Mucchardi, Stefano Bianciardi, Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte, Leonardo Incorvaia, Jean Paul Farrugia, Frank Temile

Floriana starting line-up: Justin Haber, Enrico Pepe, Antonio Monticelli, Nicolas Chiesa, Enzo Ruiz, Steve Pisani, Ignacio Varela, Sebastian Nayar, Alex Cini, Mario Fontanella, Ryan Camenzuli

Referee: Matthew Degabriele

Assistant Referees: Chris Francalanza, Thomas Debono

Fourth Official: Sandro Spiteri

BOV Player of the Match: Mark Scerri (Sliema)