Floriana’s plan to halt runaway leaders Valletta failed as they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in this derby between two Premier sides with proud histories and heavy burdens of expectations.

Meanwhile, Valletta’s 15th win of the season extended their lead to nine points clear at the top of the table above second place Birkirkara to make another firm step towards the title win.

Both teams ended playing with ten men after the dismissals of Valletta’s Denni Dos Santos and Floriana’s Owen Bugeja in the second half, but both looked harsh decisions.

Injury and suspension deprived Valletta of Roderick Briffa and Jamie Pace. Their back-four included Ramon Dos Santos and Jonathan Caruana in the centre with Steve Borg and Ian Azzopardi wide backs. Ryan Fenech returned in midfield after missing the previous match against Birkirkara.

Floriana were at full strength. Draganov started on the bench but went in for Thoams Paris at the start of the second half.

Christian Cassar was Floriana’s main source of creativity, with Paris and Doffo around him and Caruana roaming in spaces behind the forwards Woods and Nwoke. But it was always going to be difficult for them against the Premier League’s meanest defence.

A hard pressed Floriana defence struggled in vain to contain the myriad talents in Valletta’s strikeforce.

Floriana tried to raise their game even after falling behind after only eight minutes when Andrade Anderson picked Gilbert Agius’ pass from the edge of the area and beat keeper Saidi with a low strike at the far post.

The Greens’ immediate response came from a Paris shot that was parried by keeper Hogg. Borg cleared the ball into a corner before Nwoke could connect.

But the promise of some early fireworks soon evaporated and scoring opportunities remained at a premium for the first 45 minutes. Valletta showed no urgency after taking the lead and it was only when their captain Gilbert Agius upped the tempo from midfield or when Ryan Fenech sprayed down the pitch with a force that seemed undeniable that Valletta showed some direct approach.

But again, Scerri and Anderson were often careless in their final pass.

A Fenech meaty free kick midway through the half was palmed into a corner by the Floriana keeper Saidi, who otherwise needed not be in attendance.

Floriana collapsed to concede Valletta’s second goal within two minutes of the second half. Gilbert Agius played a short corner with Denni and crossed for Scerri. Farrugia cleared as far as Denni Dos Santos who struck from outside the area, rendering keeper Saidi helpless.

Valletta, firmly in the driving seat, went close with Gilbert Agius playing a through ball slightly too long for Scerri to reach to inside the area.

On 56 minutes, Fenech went past two opponents from the byeline on the left, crossed back for Anderson to shoot over and the chance went begging.

Floriana’s flaccid reaction was a Cassar curling free kick, easily saved by Hogg.

But within six minutes, Valletta were left without two key players. On the hour, Gilbert Agius had to be stretchered off with an apparent head injury and six minutes later, Denni Dos Santos was shown a red card for stretching his arm and hitting Mano Micallef who fell like a crumbling biscuit in midfield.

But numerical parity was restored on 78 minutes. Floriana’s defender Owen Bugeja, was shown two yellow cards within a few minutes of going in as a substitute for Pisani

He also received his marching orders for a second foul on Anderson from near the byeline.

Floriana could have pulled themselves back in contention on 82 minutes with a well executed Woods free kick that was deflected by Caruana against the upright to Hogg’s left.

There was still time however for a dispirited and increasingly weary Floriana to concede a third goal, with four minutes remaining. That was worked out between their two substitutes. Ian Zammit, who was left unattended, finished off Temile’s good work and cross which had cut all of Floriana’s disbanded defence.

What better way to celebrate another routine victory!

Valletta A. Hogg, R. Dos Santos, J. Caruana, I. Azzopardi, S. Borg, E. Agius (I. Zammit), G. Agius (K. Sammut), R. Fenech, D. Dos Santos, T. Scerri (O. Temile), A. Anderson

Coach J. Zerafa

Floriana L. Saidi, B. Said (C. Borg), D. Pisani (O Bugeja), M. Micallef, T. Farrugia, P. Doffo, T. Paris (D. Draganov), C. Cassar, I. Woods, D. Nwoke, C. Caruana

Coach M. Woods

Referee C. Pisani

Asst.refs I. Spiteri, K. Borg

4th official C. Lautier

Scorers A. Anderson 8, D. Dos Santos 47, I. Zammit 86

Yellow cards P. Doffo, T. Scerri, O. Bugeja

Red card D. Dos Santos, O. Bugeja

Player of the match Gilbert Agius (Valletta)

TMI top 3 1. R. Fenech 2. G. Agius 3. A. Anderson

Attendance 3,554