Floriana-Hamrun S. 1-1

Leaders Floriana left it late to salvage a point against determined Hamrun Spartans. The Greens looked rusty, especially in the first half and were heading towards defeat after conceding Hamrun’s first half goal and initiative.

But showing some notable improvement in the second half, with the good contribution of all their three substitutes, they managed to draw level with less than ten minutes of playing time remaining. Thanks to this draw, they now take sole command of the standings.

Floriana’s starting line-up showed very few surprises, except for Clifton Ciantar’s and Trevor Cilia’s omission, both sitting on the bench.

This was more a case of two points lost by Hamrun rather than a point won. For all their dominance in the first half they scored only one goal – too little for all their good work and creativity and finally paid the penalty. It was the Spartans’ third draw on the trot.

A notable absentee for them was Gaetan Spiteri, serving a one-match ban.

After an initial tepid ten minutes, Hamrun gradually started to find their pace and rhythm, with Effiong in buoyant mood. He beat the Floriana offside trap on Mangion’s pass forward and steered the ball low past the grounded keeper Agius only for Krsteski to clear the ball before it crossed the line.

Past the half hour, Effiong ran down the left flank and crossed low towards the middle. Mangion’s shot on the run went off target.

Then Effiong again took possession on a squeezed pass by Ryan Fenech, but he played the ball too long forward and keeper Agius rushed out to smother the danger. The Floriana keeper remained on the ground and needed treatment before resuming play.

On 22 minutes, Hamrun deservingly broke the deadlock after being awarded a free kick from nearly half pitch. Alfred Effiong headed in Briffa’s sailing kick.

Floriana tried to come to grips but they needed a more cohesive approach to break the Spartans down. Krsteski’s long range free kick was well blocked by Hamrun keeper Falzon.

On 37 minutes, no Hamrun player managed to put his head to another dangerous Briffa free kick from the right as the Spartans continued their ascendancy.

But after a Cassar low drive went inches wide, Floriana were provided with the half’s best chance with halftime looming. Micallef connected well on Pisani’s deep cross inside the area but squandered the good opportunity by hoisting his effort over the cross bar.

And deep into four minutes of added time, Hamrun again went close to increasing their lead. Briffa started the move from midfield. The unmarked Sultana ran in well for Meilak’s low cross from the left, but his effort was turned into a corner by keeper Agius.

Floriana left Micallef out for the second half, with Ciantar taking his place. Hamrun also substituted Timotic with Debattista but a forced second substitution for the injured Briffa towards the hour, seemed to unsettle their side in midfield

Floriana tried to capitalise to some effect as Brincat’s free kick was headed out and Caruana’s effort was blocked by Monye into a corner. Floriana threatened with the resultant flag kick as Bolasie’s effort from close range was held out by the upright.

Floriana threw caution to the wind, drafting in Darmanin and Cilia for Mifsud and Briffa respectively.

As Floriana went for broke, they left gaps in defence that Hamrun twice almost exploited. Ryan Fenech took too long to conclude when inside the Floriana area and Borg shot the loose ball horrendously over. On 67 minutes, Effiong advanced unhindered but was foiled by Agius’ timely block.

Floriana increased their efforts and were rewarded with nine minutes remaining. Ryan Darmanin nipped in from the blind side to connect on Cilia’s deep cross from the left, knocking the ball in against the inner post and over the line to spare his side from embarrassment.

Floriana: S. Agius, M. Micallef (C. Ciantar), J. Briffa (T. Cilia), D. Krsteski, D. Pisani, M. Brincat, C. Cassar, Z. Levniac, Y. Bolasie, C. Caruana, A. Mifsud (R. Darmanin)

Hamrun S: M. Falzon, P. Monye, A. Attard (M.A. Bonnici), E. Briffa (K. Borg), Roderick Fenech, S. Meilak, Ryan Fenech, S. Sultana, R. Mangion, B. Timotic (J. Debattista), A. Effiong

Referee: C. Pisani asst.refs: K. Borg, I. Spiteri 4th official: A.M. Sant

Scorers: A. Effiong, R. Darmanin

Yellow cards: P. Monye, E. Briffa, Roderick Fenech, C. Cassar, M. Brincat

Player of the match: Rupert Mangion (Hamrun S)

TMI top three: 1. R. Mangion 2. Roderick Fenech 3. D. Pisani