A spirited display, with some flashes of class, ensured Floriana take three points to move four points above Marsaxlokk in fifth place and consolidate their chances of landing a place in the Championship Pool.

Both teams had been unconvincing with their displays recently. Marsaxlokk drew against Sliema Wanderers while Floriana had lost against Birkirkara in the previous outings.

But the Greens were back on track yesterday as two first half goals by man of the match Ivan Woods paved the way to a convincing win, as Christian Caruana added another goal in the second half. Floriana’s win could have even been bigger in the late stages, after Marsaxlokk were down to ten men following Carlo Mamo’s dismissal for the last quarter hour, were it not for some profligacy by Caruana.

Marsaxlokk’s build-ups lacked precision and overall they carried little threat. They were without key players Rumen Galabov, Trevor Templemann and the suspended Clive Brincat. Their two central defenders were Yanchev and Eboh with Pullicino drafted in midfield.

Both teams gave debuts to a new player. Marsaxlokk had Italian defender Luca Lodetti playing as right back, while Floriana included their new Portuguese recruit Marcal Guerreiro Fernandes in midfield. They also gave a start to Christian Caruana as Joseph and Sacha Borg were relegated to the bench.

Floriana functioned better as an outfit and showed more cohesion in the early stages. Woods and Mecerod were pouring the embarrassment to the Marsaxlokk backline and the two combined well to produce two first half goals within as many minutes midway through the half.

On 22 minutes Ivan Woods connected well to Mecerod’s cross from the right and beat keeper Gauci with his outstretched foot.

Two minutes later, a Doffo free kick from the left was flicked by Mecerod towards Ivan Woods to head past the onrushing Marsaxlokk keeper.

That early lead put Floriana in the driving seat, especially because Marsaxlokk’s reaction was rather flaccid. Sciberras had his shot at goal saved by keeper Saidi after 38 minutes and shortly before the break Deanov sent his free kick narrowly wide.

So the Southseasiders put in Julio Alcorse for Effiong for the second half to give their attack some required impetus.

That hardly worked though, with Floriana again going close four minutes into the second half when Woods crossed from the byeline for the onrushing Caruana to hit narrowly wide.

Towards the hour, a Mecerod free kick was saved into a corner by keeper Gauci and then the US striker lobbed the ball from the edge of the area but narrowly missed the target.

Floriana were dangerous on the break after 72 minutes. Woods advanced through the middle between Eboh and Yanchev but his shot was repelled by keeper Gauci to keep his side into the game.

Marsaxlokk showed up with a Licari effort from the left, footed out by keeper Saidi as Alcorse headed the rebound wide.

On 76 minutes, Floriana struck the killer goal. Christian Caruana controlled a long cross and from the right beat keeper Gauci with a low diagonal drive.

And to rub salt into Marsaxlokk’s wounds, their captain Carlo Mamo received marching orders soon after for a second booking.

Floriana continued to exert their superiority and could have scored two more. Caruana tried to beat the goalkeeper with another delicate chip on substitute Joseph Borg’s pass but the ball went tantalisingly wide.

Then, after Gauci repelled Guerreiro Fernandes’ shot, Caruana again headed the rebound wide.

Marsaxlokk were also denied a consolation goal in the dying minutes when Floriana keeper Saidi produced a fine save off Alcorse.

Marsaxlokk R. Gauci, L. Lodetti, C. Mamo, E. Yanchev, S. Eboh, G. Sciberras, P. Pullicino (A. Spiteri), R. Guerreiro, M. Deanov (G. Caruana), M. Licari, A. Effiong (J. Alcorse)

Coach P. Curmi

Floriana L. Saidi, B. Said, T. Farrugia, D. Pisani, M. Micallef (O. Bugeja), P. Doffo, C. Caruana, C. Borg, M. Mecerod (J. Borg), I. Woods (L. Agius), M. Guerreiro Fernandes

Coach T. Raykov

Referee M. Borg

Asst.refs P. Agius, M. Mercieca

4th official A. Arciola

Scorers I. Woods 22, 24, C. Caruana 76

Yellow cards M. Mecerod, C. Mamo, R. Guerreiro

Red card C. Mamo

Player of the match I. Woods (Floriana)

TMI Top 3 I. Woods 2. P. Doffo 3. M. Mecerod

Attendance 802