Floriana had to sweat hard to beat a determined Tarxien side and go through to the second round of the U*Bet FA Trophy. Floriana fresh from their first victory in the Premier League had a very disappointing display yesterday afternoon and the qualification acquired was their only positive aspect.

Floriana lacked punch in attack and vision of play in midfield, where Trevor Cilia and Christian Cassar tried their best to get the team going. Cilia was very effective and was one of side’s best. Floriana once again played with David Farrugia between the posts following his good showing against Pieta, whilst Adrian Mifsud proved once again to be Floriana’s match winner.

Tarxien marshalled by ex-Floriana player Andre Da Silva, gave a very good account of themselves with Alan Tabone and substitute Omar Grech giving their hearts out.

But Tarxien lacked the necessary experience and even were unlucky when they hit the crossbar with fifteen minutes to go.

The match was barely three minutes through and Floriana were already in the lead. Ian Ciantar with a spectacular scissors kick scored a Trevor Cilia corner kick.

Tarxien were unlucky when they lost Simon Shead, but went close to suffering the second goal when a Baldacchino shot hit the base of the upright with Curmi beaten.

Following this god start the match passed through a dull period with no shots at goal and with Tarxien fighting for every ball.

The second half started on the same pattern with play mainly in midfield. However on 54 minute Tarxien obtained the equaliser when Carlos Camenzuli was brought down by Ciantar inside the penalty area and from the resultant penalty Alan Tabone made no mistake.

Floriana somehow came to their senses as they surged forward with Adrian Mifsud missing a good opportunity. However Floriana were back in front on 66 minutes when Trevor Cilia’s cross from the right created havoc in the Rainbows’ penalty area, and Adrian Mifsud shot in the roof of the net.

Eight minutes later Tarxien had a golden opportunity to draw level when Alan Tabone’s lob hit the crossbar with Farrugia beaten, and from the rebound Carlos Camenzuli headed incredibly over the bar.

In the dying minutes the Floriana defence was caught napping but Farrugia saved Floriana’s blushes when he dived in Carlos Camenzuli’s feet to avoid a certain goal

Floriana: D. Farrugia, J. Briffa, I. Ciantar, K. Fabri, I. Azzopardi, C. Cassar, M. Micallef, T. Cilia, A. Mifsud, N. Baldacchino (A. Evi Parker), C. Caruana (R. Darmanin).

Tarxien R: A. Curmi, F. Farrugia, M. Caruana, E. Saliba, J. Tonna (B. Testaferrata), K. Zammit, M. Micallef, S. Shead (O. Grech), A. Tabone, C. Camenzuli, A. Da Silva

Referee: K. Azzopardi, asst. refs: N. Debattista, C. Micallef, 4th official: A. Azzopardi

Scorers: I. Ciantar, A. Tabone (pen)