Birkirkara dropped the first points of the season as they were held to a 1-1 by the ever improving Floriana side.

The Greens still fresh from their triumph in the derby against Valletta, gave another good performance earning a deserved draw against a side that has been outstanding so far this season.

Even though dropping the first points of the season and losing the top spot in the standings, the Stripes should still be staisfied with the result obtained and with their overall good performance.

The game was very balanced and mainly blocked in midfield with very few scoring opportunities, but still the fare offered was acceptable.

The first move came on 14 minutes when from a low cross from Macedo, federico Falcone’s effort was well saved by the Floriana custodian.

Floriana’s answer was rather immediate with a great shot from Malta international Ryan Camenzuli well saved by the Birkirkara goalkeeper Fernandes.

Five minutes before the break the Greens broke the deadlock when a caseres cross created havoc in the Birkirkara rearguard and Keqi was on yhand to hit home from close range.

The Greens almost doubled the score three minutes when a dangerous cross shot by Arias almost deceived Fernandes, who however kept his cool and managed to turn the ball to a corner.

At the start of the second half Birkirkara drew level when Macedo’s cross was met by Falcone who beat Ktanov with a great drive.

The Stripes pushed for more and on the hour went close with Paul Mbong’s effort well saved by Kitanov.

In the last thirty minutes of the game both sides tried their best to obtain the winner but the score remained unchanged till the end for a fair result.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina