A first-half penalty by Jake Grech proved enough for Floriana FC to secure a narrow victory over Naxxar Lions FC, as the Greens continue their push to finish top of the Closing Round Top 6 and potentially force a play-off final with reigning champions ฤฆamrun Spartans FC.
The match started cautiously, with few clear-cut chances in the opening stages. Floriana broke the deadlock on 18 minutes with their first meaningful attack. Paul Mbong won possession just outside the area before being brought down inside the box by Mark Fenech, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Grech stepped up and calmly converted, sending goalkeeper Jamie Azzopardi the wrong way.
Naxxar attempted to respond and threatened on 25 minutes through a central free-kick by Joao Sousa, but his effort sailed over the bar. Their best opportunity came just before halftime when Vinicius met a cross with a dipping header, only to see it strike the upright with goalkeeper Gabriel Cioletti beaten.
Floriana also had their moments going forward, with Mustapha Jah causing problems for the Naxxar defence, bursting past two players before narrowly missing the target.
The Greens came close to doubling their lead on 63 minutes when Federico Varela hit the post, and from the rebound, Jah somehow failed to convert with the goal at his mercy.
Naxxarโs task became even more difficult four minutes later when Louis Pahama was sent off following a review of his challenge on Iago Mendonรงa through the Football Video Support system.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Naxxar continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, but their only real chance came in stoppage time when Vinicius fired a low shot that was well saved by Cioletti.
Floriana held on to claim all three points, keeping their title hopes alive as the Closing Round heads towards a decisive finish.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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