Floriana are sole leaders after an impressive win against Gzira United, a win that matured in the first sixteen minutes of the match with Fernandinho scoring two great goals to put Floriana on the right track.

With Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk taking a point each in the first match, Floriana needed the victory to take sole leadership and from the start they looked the better outfit and the two early goals made it even easier.

The Maroons never came to grips with their opponents and only Aldama stood out especially in the first half.

On six minutes Fernandinho scored a beauty direct from a freekick. Gzira hit back with a Bohrer Mentz header from an Espindola corner, with Mafoumbi saving and with Mi‐ nala hitting over the bar from the rebound.

On 16 minutes Floriana doubled the score when Fernand‐ inho went through on the right and curled a perfect shot that hit the base of the upright before finishing at the back of the net. Gzira were now on their knees with Giovanni Tedesco introduc‐ ing striker Hassany for Kurt Zammit half way through the first half, but things did not improve much for the Maroons.

The Greens continued to the game with Garcia playing a blinder in midfield. On the re‐ sumption much more was ex‐ pected from Gzira, but their actions and attacks remained rather chaotic.

Twenty minutes from time Floriana put the issue beyond doubt when Mashike won a penalty fol‐ lowing a duel with Bohrer Mentz, and from the penalty spot the same Mashike made no mistake.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina