Floriana stretched their lead at the top of the YoHealth Malta Closing Round to four points after a controlled 2-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows at the Centenary Stadium.
The Greens made the ideal start, taking the lead inside three minutes. From a corner situation, Myles Beerman reacted quickest and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner to put Floriana ahead early.
Tarxien attempted to reply on 14 minutes, but Claudio Barbosaโs effort was safely dealt with by goalkeeper Pablo Picon. Floriana continued to look the more dangerous side and nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Beermanโs cross picked out Kenan Dervisagic, whose header finished just over the bar.
The Rainbows briefly thought they had equalised on 18 minutes when Barbosa found the net from a set-piece, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Just before the interval Tarxien came within inches of levelling the score, but Mendonca produced a vital clearance off the line during a goalmouth scramble. Floriana almost punished them on the counter in added time, with Charles MโMombwa shooting narrowly wide after being set up by Zach Scerri.
Floriana had a clear chance to put the match beyond doubt early in the second half when Mustapha Jah earned a penalty, but his spot-kick was kept out by Alexander Lubik.
That miss nearly proved costly minutes later when Barbosa rounded Picon but fired wide with the goal at his mercy.
The second goal eventually arrived on 58 minutes, and it was Beerman again who made the difference, unleashing a powerful strike that beat Lubik to secure his brace and give Floriana breathing space.
Tarxien continued to push and appealed for a penalty when Lokosa went down inside the area, but the referee waved play on. Their frustration grew when Barbosa struck the post with Picon beaten.
Floriana saw out the closing stages without major trouble to claim another valuable three points and tighten their grip on top spot.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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