Floriana 2
Tarxien R. 1
Floriana: I. Akpan, E. Ruiz, D. Venancio, K. Keqi (B.Paiber 90'), U. Arias (C. Borg 81'), J. Pisani, M. Garcia, A. Cini, J. Busuttil (T. Vella 75'), R. Camenzuli, T.Fonseca
Tarxien R.: R. Briffa, M. Botta, T. Veronese, D. Mambouana, E. Damey, G. Camilleri, M. Murillo Torres, M. Stanojevic (M. Ciantar 77'), B. Farrugia, M. Gomez, N. Portelli (B. Muscat 82')
Referee: Emanuel Grech
Asst refs: Thomas Debono, Ivan Galea
4th official: Philip Farrugia
Yellow Cards: Camilleri
Scorers: Murillo 24', Busuttil 27', Keqi 53'
BOV Player of the Match: Kristian Keqi (Floriana)
TMI Top 3 : 1. M. Garcia 2. K.Keqi 3. D. Venancio
Floriana continued their winning streak when as expected they beat Tarxien Rainbows by the odd goal in three. But though dominating proceedings it was rosy all the way for the Greens. Tarxien defended stubbornly and also found time to venture forward though aware of their limitations. For the Rainbows this was the sixth consecutive defeat as they are still in search of their first points of the season.
This match brought against each other the leaders of the Premier League against the basement side. Floriana gained maximum points against B'Kara, Balzan and Gudja and could only draw against Valletta and Gzira United.
On the other hand the Rainbows from Tarxien lost all their previous matches at the expense of Mosta, Hibernians, Hamrun, Santa Lucia and Sliema Wanderers.
Floriana were missing Augusto Rene Caseres through suspension but welcomed back Matias Nicolas Garcia. Tarxien Rainbows had to do without the injured Daniel Zerafa.
On 3 minutes a Venancio free kick ended on the side netting. And after a rather scrappy period came Tarxien first chance of the match which was the opening goal of the match. Murillo powered a wonderful strike past a surprised Akani and into the roof of the net.
But the Rainbows joy was short lived as three minute later Floriana drew level. A free kick from the right side taken by Jan Busuttil helped by a deflection completely deceived Briffa.
On 33 minutes Garcia found Keqi in the area only for the latters shot to be saved by Briffa, And in the 36th minute Floriana went near once again when Camenzuli found Fonseca in the centre of the area whose shot was blocked and Keqi was unlucky in seeing his shot hit both uprights with Briffa stranded.
A minute from the end of the first half Fonseca set free Busuttil his conclusion ending inches wide.
Floriana took the lead for the first time in the match in the 53rd minute when Venancio sent a teasing cross from the left flank and the ball was perfectly met by Kristian Keqi's head and into the net.
And on 59 minutes Floriana could have put the issue beyond doubt when in a counter attack Arias brought Keqi in ideal position to score, but with only Briffa to beat he sent his low shot agonisingly wide.
Seven minutes from the end Keqi passed towards Venancio but his acute shot went completely wrong.
Floriana controlled well and gained three other important points which keep them at the summit when we are midway through the first round. An encouraging start for the Greens which can mean a lot as the season progresses.