In the first match played at the National Stadium on Saturday afternoon Sirens came from a goal down to beat Floriana by the odd goal in three. The goal which proved to be the winner by the St Paul’s Bay outfit materialized in the last seven minutes of the match.

For the Greens this was the second defeat in a week following their debacle against lowly Lija Athletic last Wednesday. Things are not going on as expected for Floriana who are now firmly entangled in a relegation battle following the success of last season when they were crowned Champions.

Sirens coach Giovanni Tedesco made one change from their last match in which they won against Sliema Wanderers, with Entonjo Elezaj defending their goal instead of David Cassar who was relegated on the bench. For Elezaj this was his return in Malta after having a stint with Sliema Wanderers earlier on.

Floriana’s coach John Buttigieg was missing the suspended Nicola Leone, Matias Garcia and Alex Cini with Enzo Ruiz, Diego Venancio and Marcelo Dias given a starting berth. Apart from this Jeroen Lombe Lumu made his debut for the Greens replacing Siraj Eddin Arab.

The first half lacked goal mouth action and the only chance in the first half was Floriana’s goal.  On 42 minutes Lombe Lubu made his way into the Sirens area with Borg bringing him down with the match official pointing to the penalty spot. From the resultant kick Kristian Keqi converted finding the corner of the net.

In the 50th minute Floriana had a chance to double their lead when a Kristian Keqi shot was blocked by Elezaj. And on 72 minutes Sirens drew level. It was a corner for the St. Paul’s Bay team with Ryan Darmanin who had just come in instead of Terence Agius heading towards goal with Floriana defender Enzo Ruiz converting into his own net.

Sirens were now in control of the proceedings and sixteen minutes from the end of the match Wilfried Domoraud tried a shot which ended inches wide.

The all important goal which gave Sirens the three points came six minutes from time. A free kick by Grech was perfectly met by Angel Manuel Bustos whose header gave Cassar no chance at all.

Photo Domenic Aquilina