A very keen game played in the best of sporting spirits. Both sides had their good moments and played attractive football.

After a balanced first period Paola H enjoyed the lion’s share of the exchanges in the second half. Following this game Paola H are on four points from three games while Floriana are on seven points, also from three games.  

Floriana were the first to threaten. A well-taken flag kick by Galea created havoc in Paola’s area and the ball was somehow cleared.

Greens keeper Jurgen Borg then saved a shot from outside the area by Timothy Tabone after a Scott Chircop through ball.

Floriana reacted and Claude Farrugia was fouled outside the area but Guzman drove slightly over the bar from the free kick.

Paola H then created the last two actions before the break. After Brandon Muscat was fouled on the left flank, Borg was forced to palm the ball away from the free kick by the same player and Tabone served Baldacchino in the area and Borg neutralised the ball from his cross.

Three minutes after the restart Floriana forged ahead when Andre Camilleri handled the ball outside the area, Guzman floated a high ball in the area and in the melee that ensued Emerson Bonello flicked the ball past Spiteri.

The reaction by Paola H was very immediate. After a run down the right flank by Muscat, Borg partly saved his dangerous cross and a defender cleared the ball. The same player then served Baldacchino in the area and Borg denied him with a diving save.

In the 59th minute Floriana doubled the score. Borg served Muscat on the right flank from a goal kick. He then served Claude Farrugia with a through ball and the latter returned the compliment to Degiorgio in the area who scored with a hard grounder.

The Paolites kept trying and Tabone served Baldacchino in the area, Borg partly saved his effort and the ball was cleared and after Muscat was fouled on the right flank Scott Chircop served him with a short pass and he floated a high ball in the area but Borg managed to clutch the ball in the air.

Between the 73rd and 74th minutes Floriana came very close to increase their lead Briffa served Degiorgio with a back-heel in the area and Spiteri was forced to dive and save his shot and Briffa again served Degiorgio in the area and after Spiteri partly saved his shot he drove over the bar from the rebound with an open goal at his mercy.  

Refreee: Roberto Vella

Player of the match: Brandon Muscat (Paola H)