Floriana grabbed three important points from a rather difficult encounter against Hibernians and are now momentarily sharing top spot with Hamrun Spartans who play today against Gudja United.

Hibernians gave a good account of themselves in the first half but Floriana always held the upper hand and finally gained a deserved win.

The Paolites were the first to venture forward and on 11 minutes a Jurgen Degabriele shot was saved by goalkeeper Kitanov.

Six minutes later Hibernians threatened once again when a Ferdinando Apap volley just missed the target.

Midway through the first half Floriana went forward for the first time but Hibernians goalkeeper Kone saved Alexandros Kouro effort.

Hibernians responded through their striker Jurgen Degabriele but the Hibernians attacker could have done better when well placed. And the Paolites were rather unlucky when Giannis Bastianos saw his effort from the edge of the area hit the woodwork.

But on the stroke of half time and against the run of play Floriana took the lead. Good work by Luis Furtado who finally played the ball towards Kemar Reid who was quick in converting into the net.

Floriana started the second half better and on 50 minutes Reid brought the best out of Kone. But five minutes later the Greens doubled their lead. It was through a perfect lob by

Matheus de Souza who found the net with goalkeeper Kone stranded.

Hibernians failed to react and it was only two minutes from the end of the match that they tested the opposing goalkeeper through Giannis Bastianos. And on the other end a Maksim Valadzko shot hit the upright.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina