A goal scored by Gabriel Sotomayor three minutes into added time gave Floriana a much needed win in their quest to keep the pace with Ħamrun Spartans. The Greens had the advantage of an early lead and also that of playing with an added man for more than an hour after the dismissal of Murilo.

As for Sliema they must feel themselves unlucky since they resisted their opponents and even had their fair share of chances though playing in inferiority.

Floriana were the first to venture forward when after five minutes a header effort by El Hasni following a Jake Grech free-kick ended wide.

And on 8 minutes they took the lead. It was Yameogo who found Matias Garcia in the box with the latter drafting the ball home.

The Blues replied on 20 minutes Simon Zibo played a long ball towards Pisani but his volley sailed over the bar.

Midway through the first half Henrique Murillo was given the marching orders following a harsh tackle on Jake Grech, this being his second dismissal of the season.

On the half hour an Awad shot from outside the area was saved by Mafoumbi. And ten minutes later Plut went close but his header ended just over the bar.

On the change of ends Floriana could have doubled their lead when in the first minute a Zammit Lonardelli cross found Garcia but he wasted a clear goal scoring opportunity blasting the ball high.

And it was Sliema who surprised their opponents when on fifty minutes they drew level. Matos crossed from the left flank with Awad leaving the ball for Plut who from close range beat Mafoumbi.

Nearing the hour mark a Franklin Sasere low drive just missed the target.

Two minutes from the end a swift counter attack by the Blues ended with Wescley's shot finishing just wide.

And on 93 minutes Floriana scored the dramatic winner. It was Gabriel Sotomayor whose header found the net making the best out of an onrushing Sliema goalkeeper.