For the second consecutive time, Floriana let victory get away from them because of lack of concentration. Despite being the better team for long stretches yesterday, they showed frailties in vital moments to concede a draw against Hamrun Spartans, playing with ten men for almost the entire second half.

Some defensive hesitancy proved costly as Hamrun, who looked mostly out of sorts, equalised, without the Floriana keeper Simon Agius ever pulling a meaningful save in an entire match bereft of excitement and quality football.

Floriana were culpable of failing to make the best of their numerical superiority after taking a deserved first half lead. But when no more goals followed, Hamrun were allowed to claw themselves back into the game, especially after Effiong’s inclusion.

Both sides went into this match on the back of defeats suffered in the previous outings, although Floriana’s performance against Marsaxlokk deserved a better fate. And coach Doncic deemed it fit to field practically an unchanged side.

On their part, the Spartans, outclassed by Valletta last week, made three changes to their starting line-up. Roderick Fenech returned in defence after suspension but Timotic was missing, allowing Kevin Borg to play instead. Diego Cucciardi was given a rare nod in attack, filling the place of the unfit Effiong, relegated to the bench

A cagey start saw both teams struggle to produce anything in a tepid first ten minutes but then it was Floriana who carved out the better chances as the Hamrun defence’s uneasiness was palpable.

Christian Caruana, starting the match instead of the injured Bolasie, twice found space inside the Hamrun area. He was first blocked by Galea into a corner and then shot into keeper Sullivan’s safe hands when Darmanin headed the ball in his path.

Floriana went close again past the quarter hour. Cassar’s flick on a low Darmanin cross was partially held out by the Hamrun keeper but Caruana’s goal-bound effort on the loose ball was blocked by Monye on the line.

Floriana’s goal was in the air though, albeit coming from a set piece. Brincat’s free kick from the right after 21 minutes was cleared towards the unmarked Darko Krsteski who, unattended inside the area on the left, beat Sullivan with a diagonal rising shot.

In fact Hamrun laboured in their build-ups and the closest they came was when Spiteri placed his shot slightly wide of the post.

Floriana threatened again shortly before the interval with a Krsteski blistering direct free kick from the right, which forced keeper Sullivan to push out with some difficulty.

Hamrun were dealt another setback seven minutes into the second period as they were reduced to ten men following Roderick Fenech’s dismissal after an off-the ball incident with Caruana just outside the area. The referee failed to notice the infringement but sent off the Hamrun player after the flagging of his assistant Camilleri.

Hamrun were quick to put in Effiong for Spiteri but failed to add the much needed impetus to trouble Floriana. On their part, the Greens were unwilling to exploit their numerical superiority, abandoning all their sense of adventure.

And they paid the penalty on 75 minutes as Alfred Effiong capitalised on some defensive hesitancy to shoot scrappily at goal and with the beaten keeper Agius grounded, Rupert Mangion applied the final touch.

Floriana were also forced to substitute the injured Ciantar after that but only in the late stages did they summon enough energy to move forward with some purpose. Caruana, put clear by Brincat, hoisted the ball in front of goal.

Overall however, Floriana carried little threat, while Hamrun, who also put in an extra defender, John Debattista, for Cucciardi, were impotent going forward.

* * *

Floriana: S. Agius, M. Micallef, S. Eboh, D. Krsteski, C. Ciantar (O. Bugeja), M. Brincat, T. Cilia, Z. Levniac (D. Pisani), C. Cassar, R. Darmanin, C. Caruana

Hamrun S: S. Sullivan, M.A. Bonnici, D. Cucciardi (J. Debattista), P. Monye, K. Borg, Roderick Fenech, S. Meilak, Ryan Fenech, R. Mangion, G. Spiteri (A. Effiong), N. Galea

Referee: P. Caruana Asst.refs: C. Micallef, J. Spiteri 4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: D. Krsteski, R. Mangion

Yellow cards: N. Galea, K. Borg, G. Spiteri, C. Ciantar, R. Mangion, M.A. Bonnici

Red card: Roderick Fenech

Player of the match: Precious Monye (Hamrun S)

TMI top three: 1. D. Krsteski 2. P. Monye 3. M. Brincat