Goalkeepers Simon Agius and Murphy Akanji shone yesterday as Floriana and Sliema figured in an entertaining 1-1 draw. Both goalkeepers effected some brilliant saves to keep their team in the game.

It was a fair result as neither team deserved to leave the pitch empty handed. The Greens confirmed their good start to the season and also confirmed that are a team to be reckoned with this season after avoiding the big drop in their last match last season.

On the other hand Sliema will have to improve if they wish to be among the title favourites. However the Wanderers showed good qualities, especially after Floriana’s good start.

The match was very interesting with players like Mano Micallef, Christian Cassar, Stefan Giglio and Alex Muscat above the rest.

The Greens had a dream start going in the lead after only two minutes play. Manolito Micallef received from Cassar and all alone in front of Akanji dribbled past the Sliema custodian to score in an empty net. This goal rattled the Wanderers who could not cope with their opponents’ qualities. Micallef covered acres of ground with the usual Cassar and Cilia producing a high work rate.

Wendell Gomes and Adrian Mifsud kept the Sliema central defenders on constant watch as the Wanderers seemed plucky in defence. Ivan Woods constantly marked by ex-Mosta defender Ryan Newell, could not see the ball in the first minutes, but things started to improve for the Wanderers after the first dismal 20 minutes.

Szoboda, Giglio and Muscat started to get things going as Bajada fought for every ball.

On 25 minutes Alex Muscat had a good shot saved by the alert Agius and two minutes later was Giglio’s turn to head slightly wide after another good move by Muscat. On 30 minutes Sliema drew level when Giglio penetrated on the left and crossed to Woods who had the better of Newell before beating Agius with a low shot.

It was Sliema’s turn to dominate now with Svoboda passing neatly to Muscat whose first timer went inches wide. On 35 minutes Christian Caruana was put through by Wendell Gomes but his weak effort was easily saved by Akanji. On the other in a swift break, Ivan Woods was again able to beat Newell, but his shot was this time blocked by Agius.

The second half started at a slow pace with Trevor Cilia’s shot on 52 minutes hitting the side netting. Alex Muscat should have done better on the hour after a good move by Svoboda. On 61 minutes Simon Agius was superb saving a long range shot by Muscat. Minutes later Agius came again to his side’s rescue denying Bajada.

On 66 minutes Wendel Gomes’ shot was tipped by Akanji, and the same Akanji was again instrumental blocking a dangerous Adrian Mifsud grounder.

Nine minutes from time Floriana missed a golden opportunity when Akanji twice denied Wendell Gomes all alone in front of goal.

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Floriana: S. Agius, I. Azzopardi, J. Briffa, C. Caruana (K. Formosa), C. Cassar, T. Cilia (A. Evi Parker), R. Gangortsa, W. Gomes (A. Buhagiar), M. Micallef, A. Mifsud, R. Newell.

Sliema W: M. Akanji, S. Pace, B. Said, J. Chetcuti, I. Ciantar, C. Ciantar, A. Muscat, Z. Svoboda, R. Bajada, S. Giglio, I. Woods

Referee: C. Pisani, asst. refs: J. Camilleri, J. Rapa, 4th official: J. Attard

Scorers: M. Micallef, I. Woods,

Yellow cards: M. Micallef, A. Muscat, A. Mifsud, C. Ciantar,

Player of the match: Manolito Micallef (Floriana)

TMI top three: 1. M. Micallef 2. S. Agius 3. M. Akanji

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Yesterday’s Results:

Quick Keno Div.II/III KO:

Siggiewi-Zebbug R.0-2; Balzan Y-Ta’ Xbiex 6-0; Gharghur-Lija A. 0-4; St Venera-Gzira U. 5-0

Youth League: St George’s -Qormi 0-4; St Andrews-Attard 1-2

Today

BOV Premier League:

Valletta-Marsaxlokk (7pm)