Floriana made amends for their recent FA Trophy disappointment by producing a composed and authoritative display to beat Żabbar St Patrick 3-0, condemning the Saints to a third successive defeat.
The Greens’ victory marked their third win of the campaign and lifted them joint top of the table alongside surprise leaders Gżira United.
Determined to respond after their shock cup elimination at the hands of the same opponents, Floriana started on the front foot and were rewarded midway through the first half. On 20 minutes, Kenan Dervigović reacted quickest inside the area to slot home from close range, giving his side a deserved lead with their first clear opportunity.
Floriana kept up the pressure and almost doubled their advantage soon after, with Iago Mendonça sending a long-range effort narrowly over the bar. Żabbar replied through Ayom Ayok, whose shot from a tight angle also sailed just over, as the Saints attempted to claw their way back into the contest.
Żabbar made changes early in the second half in an effort to regain control, and they came close on 54 minutes when Jurgen Pisani met a close-range chance under the crossbar, only to send his effort just over against his former club.
However, Floriana always looked the more assured side and sealed the points in the 72nd minute. Mattia Veselji swung in a dangerous cross which Jake Grech met from close range, finishing low and accurately to net his ninth goal of the season.
The Greens continued to dictate play and put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. Myles Beerman crowned a convincing performance with a superb long-range strike, scoring his first goal for Floriana since returning to his boyhood club from Sliema Wanderers in January.
It was a controlled and clinical response from Floriana, who showed both resilience and quality to exact revenge on Żabbar and strengthen their early-season credentials.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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