Floriana claimed the Old-Firm derby against Sliema with a brace from Furtado, and also claimed the top of the standings as champions hamrun Spartans suffered a shock defeat against Marsaxlokk in a match played later.

Yesterday was certainly an important day in the title race, with Floriana now having a two-point lead over the Spartans, with five matches to go, as we go into the international break with Malta facing Slovenia and Belarus in two friendlies at Ta’ Qali.

Sliema were the better side in the opening stages, but Floriana slowly but surely gained superiority in midfield and after taking the lead early in the second half, Sliema did not have enough firing power to stop the Greens from obtaining three valuable points.

Sliema did the early running with Minala having the first attempt going well over the bar.

On 20 minutes Floriana’s first danger from Nogureira who robbed Beerman off the ball and tested Al Tumi who saved well.

Minutes later Al Tumi was again called in action this time to save a Kemar Reid effort. Just before the break another Floriana move with Nicolas Garcia’s final shot going wide.

On the resumption Floriana were more determined and took a deserved lead after eight minutes when Willis Luis Fyrtado surprised Al Tumi direct from a freekick.

The Blues failed to react as Floriana pressed for more. Kemar Reid had another run but his shot was well blocked by Al Tumi.

On 78 minutes Floriana sealed the issue when Al Tumi fouled El Hasni from a corner action and from the penalty spot Wallis Luis Furtado made no mistake to send Floriana on top of the standings. 

 Photo: Domenic Aquilina