Floriana made a flawless start to the defence of their Malta Premier title with a convincing 3-0 victory over newly promoted Birżebbuġa St Peter’s at the Centenary Stadium.
The champions had to withstand an energetic opening from Birżebbuġa, who impressed during their first appearance in the Premier League and pressed Floriana high up the pitch. However, once Paul Mbong gave the Greens the lead from the penalty spot, Floriana gradually took control and eventually secured a comfortable victory.
Birżebbuġa created the first opportunity after 12 minutes when Shaun Dimech raced into the area from the left, but his cross-shot was turned behind for a corner by Floriana goalkeeper Gabriele Cioletti.
The newly promoted side went even closer in the 21st minute. Gabriel Costa Goncalves was played through on goal, but the Brazilian forward’s effort was kept out by Cioletti.
Floriana responded four minutes later when Mbong created space on the edge of the area, only to see his shot go narrowly over the bar.
The champions took the lead on the half-hour mark. Birżebbuġa defender Alessandro Coppola was adjudged to have handled the ball while attempting to clear a cross, and referee Ishmael Barbara awarded a penalty.
Mbong made no mistake from the spot, sending the ball past Mattia Chiesa to put Floriana ahead.
Birżebbuġa continued to look for an equaliser and almost restored parity before the interval. In stoppage time, Coppola headed the ball into the path of Dimech, who fired over the bar.
Floriana came close to doubling their advantage just three minutes into the second half. Mbong released Tomislav Gudelj, who rounded Chiesa, but his effort was cleared off the line by Bolanos.
That proved to be only a temporary reprieve.
Floriana doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when substitute Dunstan Vella picked out Gudelj inside the area. The forward turned past his marker before firing a low shot beyond Chiesa.
Gudelj almost added another a minute later when his effort struck the upright with Chiesa beaten.
Floriana eventually scored their third in the 60th minute. Myles Beerman won possession and surged forward before turning past his marker and unleashing a powerful drive into the top corner.
Birżebbuġa were now struggling to contain the champions, who had taken firm control of the match.
Floriana were awarded another penalty in the 68th minute after Jacob Walker, who had just entered the field as a substitute, brought down Mbong inside the area.
Federico Varela attempted to chip the ball from the spot, but his effort struck the crossbar. Gudelj reacted first to the rebound but headed over.
The result gives Floriana an ideal start to their title defence, while Birżebbuġa will look to take encouragement from their positive opening spell as they continue their first season in the top division.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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