Floriana 4

Marsaxlokk 0

Superior Floriana were never in danger of dropping any points from this encounter against lifeless Marsaxlokk, who were only a pale shadow of the team that fought gallantly for a draw against Sliema Wanderers the previous week.

The Greens had their work cut early. Two goals up by the first 25 minutes, ensured they take a healthy and comfortable lead in the first half. Two more goals in the second period gave them their fourth win of the season to catch up with Valletta at the top of the standings, as they revelled in the task of exposing the frailties of their lamentable opponents.

So many aspects of Marsaxlokk’s display were found wanting yesterday. An unbalanced defence, susceptible to the unusual, an unimaginative midfield and a toothless attack, surely let them down. If this showing is repeated, the stress on coach Muscat will mount.

Christian Caruana’s inclusion from the start for Floriana meant there was no place for John Mintoff who was only named among the substitutes.

Despite their encouraging result the previous week, Marsaxlokk made some changes to their side. Christian Cassar made his debut for the Southseasiders in goal instead of regular Gauci. Sacha and Patrick Borg were also relegated to the bench, with midfielder Trevor Templeman, returning from suspension, and defender Sunday Eboh given the nod.

The pace and enthusiasm with which Floriana began the game put Marsaxlokk on the back foot from the start and it did not take the Greens long for their attacking strategy to yield dividends.

On nine minutes, Woods’ cross from the left fell to Christian Caruana who, challenged by Eboh, still managed to score when grounded.

Marsaxlokk were oddly static and slack, with Obiefule and Kokavessis too isolated up front. They rarely ventured into enemy territory and on the few occasions they did so, they were erratic and careless. Reimy’s effort on Kokavessis’ cross on 12 minutes was deflected into a corner and later Kokavessis completely miskicked Lattes’ inviting pass.

Floriana punished their wastefulness midway through the half with a second goal. A long Joseph Borg throw-in was headed by Odwong towards Ivan Woods to flick the ball beyond keeper Cassar.

Before half time Christian Cassar should have done better. Put clear on the right by Woods, he crossed poorly where Odwong could not reach.

But Floriana still maintained their correct spirit in the second half and scored twice more to secure the points. They went close on 52 minutes with a Woods shot from a tight angle that beat the keeper but Lattes cleared off the line.

Keper Cassar rushed off his line to clear. Woods’ effort from midfield missed the target.

There was no denying Floriana on 62 minutes. Woods played a through ball to Joseph Borg, whose cross shot fell to the unmarked Christian Caruana to knock the ball into an empty net.

Floriana scored their fourth 12 minutes later. Cassar’s cross from the left again exposed Marsaxlokk’s frailty at the back and substitute John Mintoff shot in with relative ease at the near post.

Floriana could ease off and effected all their substitutions before the end. Marsaxlokk knew their time was up and came up with the usual pot shot from substitute Sascha Borg that narrowly missed the target. But that was too little too late.

Floriana: M. Bartolo, D. Pisani, O. Bugeja, T. Farrugia, M. Micallef, C. Cassar, C. Caruana (C. Borg), J. Borg (J. Mintoff), I. Woods, B. Odwong (R. Darmanin), P. Doffo

Coach: M. Woods

Marsaxlokk: C. Cassar, C. Mamo, S. Eboh, M. Licari (J. Xerri), F. Reimy, C. Campagnoli, T. Templeman, E. Lattes (M. Valeriani), M. Deanov, O. Obiefule, D. Kokavessis (S. Borg)

Coach: W. Muscat

Referee: P. Caruana

Asst.refs: M. Debono, M. Scerri

4th official: M. Spiteri

Scorers: C. Caruana 9, 62, I. Woods 25, J. Mintoff 74

Yellow cards: F. Reimy, S. Eboh

Player of the match: C. Caruana (Floriana)

TMI top 3: 1. I. Woods 2. C. Caruana 3. J. Borg