Floriana see off Birkirkara to go top, seal Top Six berth

FLORIANA       2         

Jah 4; Veselji 90

BIRKIRKARA  0

An early goal paved the way for Floriana as they registered a fifth win on the trot, defeating Birkirkara 2-0.

Thanks to these three points, the Greens regained the top spot in the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round, also securing a spot in the Top 6.

Birkirkara, on the other hand, continue to share sixth place with Marsaxlokk but the Southseasiders have a game in hand.

With two match-days to go for the end of the league phase, the Stripes risk missing out on a spot in the Top 6 unless they make the most of their last two matches against Tarxien Rainbows and Ħamrun Spartans.

Birkirkara had new signing, Asumah Abubakar-Ankrah, making his debut. Abubakar was one of three changes for the Stripes, along with Pablo Gaitan and Nathan Cross as they replaced Neil Micallef, Geoffrey Acheampong and the suspended Leandro Lacunza.

The Greens, on the other hand, had one change as they welcomed back Jake Grech with Mattia Veselji starting the game on the bench.

Floriana had a perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes. Jake Grech delivered a short corner from the left, Federco Varelas cross was deflected by a defender and Mustapha Jah headed home from close range.

After having a goal by Donovan Makoma disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper on 33 minutes, Birkirkara went close to equalising four minutes later when Pablo Gaitan sent Manuel Morello through on the left but the latter’s shot hit the foot of the upright with the ball bouncing on to the goalkeeper and into a corner.

Macula concluded a good move on the left with a low shot from outside the area which was parried by Guilherme Cioletti five minutes from the end of the first half and in added time, a shot by Abubakar was neutralised by the Floriana custodian.

During the second half, shots at goal were few and far between but nine minutes from time, Guilherme Cioletti.

Three minutes later, the Floriana goalkeeper performed another save on a close-range header by Maydana.

However, in stoppage time, Floriana doubled the score. Jake Grech concluded a good run on the left flank with an assist for Mattia Veselji who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Martinez.