Floriana and Sirens shared four goals and took a point each in an entertaining match which saw Sirens take a two goal lead and the Greens levelling matters in the space of two minutes following the dismissal of Alexander Cini.

In the first match of the campaign Floriana beat Pieta Hotspurs by a 2-0 score whilst their opponents Sirens ended on the losing end after being beaten by Birkirkara by the same score.

The Greens wanted to keep up the momentum and build up on the result from the first outing. Coach Gianluca Atzori fielded a strong formation in order to avoid any surprises.

Sirens started brightly and just after four minutes the St Paul’s Bay outfit took the lead. It was a direct free-kick taken by Alexander Cini which beat Georgi Kitanov all ends up. Sirens kept pressing forward and a few minutes later a free-kick by Ventura Fernandes sailed over the bar.

The Greens ventured forward on the half hour when off a Lorenzo Trillo cross from the left flink, a flick by Veselji was saved by goalkeeper Cassar. But it was Sirens who doubled their lead a minute later. It came off a Degran Jackson cross which found Ivan Kolev who from close range beat the Floriana goalkeeper.

Nearing the end of the first half, in the 43rd minuta Jackson was again the supplier with a good cross and a headed effort by Kolev ended inches wide. And on the other end Cassar saved well a Jan Busuttil free-kick.

In the first minutes of the second half play was restricted to the midfield sector. And in the 68th minute Cini found Jacob Walker whose shot ended well over the bar though well placed. But a minute later Sirens were reduced to ten man when referee Portelli gave Alex Cini the marching orders following a second bookable offence.

This gave Floriana a lifeline and on 73 minutes they reduced the deficit. A low cross by Magri Overend was perfectly met by Andrei Ciolacu who slided the ball into the net.

And just two minutes later and Floriana drew level. It was once again Andrei Ciolacu whose low drive gave Cassar no chance.

Floriana were now pressing for the winning goal and had chances through Busuttil which went inches wide. With Sirens replying through a Tachikawa shot which also ended wide off the mark.

Photo Domenic Aquilina