Floriana strengthened their grip at the top of the table after securing a 2โ1 victory over Sliema Wanderers, scoring twice in the first half to overcome the challenge of their rivals, who were reduced to ten men before the break.
The Greens took an early initiative and were rewarded on 14 minutes when referee Matthew De Gabriele awarded a penalty after Gustavo Alcino brought down Mustapha Jah inside the area. Jake Grech stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Floriana the lead.
Sliemaโs task became even more difficult eight minutes before half-time when Gustavo Alcino received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the Wanderers a man down. Floriana capitalised on their numerical advantage shortly afterwards. On 40 minutes, Jah supplied a cross from the right, Fede Varelaโs initial effort was blocked by goalkeeper Agu Kelvin Emeka, and Iago Mendonca reacted quickest to slot home the rebound for 2โ0.
Floriana, who made one change from the side that defeated Birkirkara with Mustapha Jah returning to the starting line-up, went into the interval firmly in control. Sliema, missing suspended Murilo Freire, made two changes at the break as coach Paul Zammit introduced Rashed Al Tumi and Sulahmana Bah in an effort to spark a comeback.
The Wanderers showed renewed energy after the restart and went close on several occasions. Bah almost made an immediate impact with a lob that went just wide, while Thiaguinho also tested the Floriana defence with a diagonal effort from inside the area.
Sliemaโs persistence paid off on 67 minutes when Wescley delivered from the right and Roko Prลกa finished from close range to reduce the deficit. The Wanderers continued to press, with Prลกa and Fernandinho both testing Floriana goalkeeper Giacomo Cioletti, but the league leaders defended resolutely in the closing stages.
Floriana held on to claim all three points, moving onto 32 points and opening up a seven-point gap over their closest challengers. Despite a spirited second-half display, Sliema were left to rue the early penalty concession and the first-half dismissal that ultimately shaped the outcome of the match.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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