Floriana 3

Balzan Y. 1

Floriana came from behind to overturn the result through a Michael Woods penalty and a late goal by Christian Caruana to beat a valiant Balzan Youths by three goals to one and rise to 16 points in the table.

Floriana were hoping to continue their positive run with a win against the Youths who, on their part, were also looking for something out of this match after their fine result against Sliema Wanderers.

Both teams fielded strong formations with the Greens relying on Odwong and Okonkwo upfront while Balzan were without the services of Gilbert Martin who was out on a long term injury.

Just after kick off, Cassar squared to Woods who found himself alone in front of Camilleri but the ex- Floriana goalie managed to block the former’s effort. On 24 minutes, Balzan could have opened the scoring when Bernardes found Bright whose low shot ended wide.

On 27 minutes, a free kick by Cassar found Okonkwo whose header was brilliantly saved by Camilleri.

Floriana continued pressing and on 32 minutes, Doffo took charge of a freekick which was brilliantly saved by Camilleri. But it was Balzan who took the lead after 41 minutes when a corner by Bernardes found Bright who headed home from close range.

Balzan’s joy was, however, shortlived as Floriana equalised immediately after when a cross by Okonkwo found Micallef who slotted into the net from close range.

At the start of the second half, Floriana came close when a cross by Mintoff found Caruana whose effort was brilliantly saved by Camilleri. The Balzan goalie was severely injured in the action and had to be replaced after suffering concussion. On the hour mark, Doffo had a fine shot from outside the box which went just over the bar.

Floriana took the lead on 62 minutes when Ciantar felled Mano Micallef in the box with the referee ordering a spot kick. This was coolly converted by Woods who sent Tabone the other way to the joy of the Greens supporters. Balzan reacted on 66 minutes with a fine header by Tasic from a corner but this was equally well saved by Amamod.

On 87 minutes, Floriana sealed the victory when a move between Woods and Caruana ended with the latter slotting into an empty net to end Balzan’s resistance.

Floriana FC: W Amamod, D Pisani, O Bugeja (T Paris 79’), T Farrugia, M Micallef, P Doffo, C Cassar (C Borg 76’), C Caruana, I Woods, B Odwong, J Okonkwo (J Mintoff 45’)

Balzan Youths FC: M Camilleri (F Tabone 51’), Y Camilleri, B Guga, J Francica (L Micallef 73’), C Ciantar, D Grima, N Tasic, R Forace, F Bernardes, M Ciantar (M Borg 84’), K W Bright

Referee: P Caruana

Scorers: Bright 41’, M Micallef 42’, I Woods 61’, C Caruana 87’

Yellow cards: O Bugeja, K W Bright, Bernardes, Ciantar, Francica

BOV Player of the Match: Mano Micallef (Floriana)

TMI Top Three: M Micallef, C Caruana, MK Bright (Balzan)