BOV Premier League | Birkirkara 1 – Floriana 1

Birkirkara and Floriana won a point each after sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Steve Pisani (Floriana) and Jake Grech (Birkirkara) in action. Photo: Dominic Borg
Steve Pisani (Floriana) and Jake Grech (Birkirkara) in action. Photo: Dominic Borg

After fifteen minutes, Floriana's goalkeeper Ini Etim Apkan made a mistake when clearing the ball, but Jake Grech failed to take advantage as he finished wide from close range.

On the 19th minute, Floriana went ahead. Ignacio Varela went on the left before sending a through ball towards Mario Fontanella who went through and finished past Philip Schranz.

Two minutes later, the greens went close again. Juninho Cabral was put through by Maurizio Vella but found Schranz in his way.

Birkirkara levelled the score on the 24th minute. Ryan Camenzuli went past Enzo Ruiz before delivering the ball towards Andrade Bruno De Brito whose shot gave Akpan no chance.

Floriana replied on the 50th minute. Following a corner, Ruiz headed slightly over.

Giovanni Tedesco’s side were denied by Schranz on the hour mark. Birkirkara’s goalkeeper showed great reflexes to deny Cabral.

On the 69th minute, Flriana were unlucky as Fontanella’s shot hit the post.

Two minutes later, Birkirkara ended up in ten men after substitute Edmond Agius was shown his second yellow card.

Floriana tried to take advantage and were denied by the post for the second time on the 73rd minute. Vella’s shot from a free-kick hit the upright.

Despite Floriana’s efforts, Birkirkara defended well as both sides took home their first point.

Birkirkara starting line-up: Philip Schranz, Kurt Zammit, Bezerra Renato Camilo, Varone Jaques Maia Lucas, Martin Klein, Jake Grech, Llyewlyn Cremona (Edmond Agius – 46), Andrade Bruno De Brito, Luke Montebello (Cain Attard – 79), Alex Nilsson (Walter Acevedo – 73)

Floriana starting line-up: Ini Etim Akpan, James Baldacchino, Enrico Pepe, Alex Cini, Enzo Ruiz, Clyde Borg, Steve Pisani, Maurizio Vella, Juninho Cabral, Ignacio Varela (Nicolas Chiesa – 51), Mario Fontanella

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri

Assistant Referees: Edward Spiteri, Martin Borg

Fourth Official: Stefan Pace

BOV Player of the Match: Mario Fontanella (Floriana)