Floriana-Hibernians 4-1

New coach Joe Grech could not dream of a better debut with Floriana. A blistering start in a devastating first half for the Greens saw them take a double lead within the first six minutes, adding two more goals before half-time, practically leaving no doubts about the game’s outcome.

Hibernians were handicapped by the absences of several injured key players like Cohen, Mintoff and Spiteri, besides others who left the club this summer. But that is little excuse to the way the Paolites’ defence was ripped apart by Floriana’s onslaught in the initial minutes which had a bearing on the end result.

Punctuated by inspired wing play, beautiful crosses and incisive finishing, this was an afternoon when Floriana looked irresistible. Christian Caruana and Trevor Cilia were Floriana’s driving force, operating on the flanks with their insidious crosses, as the Hibernians rearguard found itself increasingly troubled.

After three minutes, Hibernians keeper Muscat had to dive to his right to repel a Wendell Gomes drive. The former Marsaxlokk striker left his mark for his new team a minute later, heading in Caruana’s cross from the left. And within two more minutes Floriana doubled their lead after Muscat failed to hold Adrian Mifsud’s firm header from close range, allowing the ball to trickle over the goal line.

The goals bolstered Floriana’s confidence and as Hibernians’ backline were being turned at will, more Floriana goals seemed inevitable.

In fact midway through the half, Christian Caruana was allowed space inside the area to turn and volley the ball past a helpless Muscat.

With Hibernians lacking conviction of any sort, Floriana’s dominance continued in all parts of the field. The Paolites were totally outplayed and on 38 minutes conceded yet Floriana’s fourth. Cilia’s square pass from the right was well met by Manolito Micallef who beat Muscat with a low drive.

The sides returned unchanged after the interval but the first phase of play was scrappy although Floriana remained the more potent attacking force.

The teams found creating chances a near-impossibility for a long stretch.

Hibernians pulled one back though after 65 minutes, when awarded a penalty for Briffa’s foul on Cesar Doffo inside the area. The Argentine new recruit converted the kick himself with sheer precision.

But that served as scant consolation. Hibernians must quickly put aside yesterday’s disastrous outing in view of the forthcoming fixture against Sliema Wanderers next Thursday.

Floriana: S. Agius, D. Pisani, R. Gango-Rtsa, I. Azzopardi, J. Briffa, T. Cilia, M. Micallef, C. Cassar, C. Caruana ( A. Eviparker), W. Gomes (M. Caruana), A. Mifsud (A. Buhagiar)

Hibernians: M. Muscat, K. Cassar, A. Pulis, A. Xuereb, C. Doffo, E. Agius, M. Bartolo (T. Caruana), J. Vella, N. Chukunyere (A. Zahra), T. Scerri, C. Failla (R. Briffa)

Referee: A. Azzopardi Asst refs: I. Spiteri, E. Spiteri 4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: W. Gomes, A. Mifsud, C. Caruana, M. Micallef, C. Doffo (pen)

Yellow cards: C. Failla, J. Briffa, A. Pulis, S. Agius, A. Xuereb, M. Micallef, A. Mifsud

Player of the match: Christian Caruana (Floriana)

TMI top three: 1. C. Caruana 2. T. Cilia 3. I. Azzopardi