Floriana survive early scare to make it two wins out of two

Floriana survived an early scare to see off Mosta and secure their second successive win in the Closing Round.

It looked as though Floriana were set for a complicated afternoon after falling behind after 27 seconds.

But the Greens failed to panic and managed to turn the game around with a goal in each half as their superior technical qualities made all the difference.

Mosta stunned the Greens with an opening goal after 27 seconds when Cheikh Diamanca played Prince Chubizor through, and the Nigerian kept his poise to lob the ball over the onrushing Cioletti and put his team ahead.

Floriana fought back, and after six minutes Federico Varela hit a firm drive that was pushed away by goalkeeper Akpan, and from the rebound the Floriana midfielder was again denied by the Mosta no.1.

The Greens threatened again on 16 minutes when Rui Areias was puth clear but fired over.

Floriana’s efforts were rewarded with a spectacular strike on 18 minutes as Varela, despite being in an angled spot just outside the area, hit a curling drive that flew into the top corner of the net with Akpan beaten.

Mosta thought they restored their lead on 34 minutes.

Joao Victor’s cross was punched by Cioletti onto the body of Iago Mendonca but Mosta’s Cheikh Diamanka failed to keep the ball in play when setting up Giancarlo Goncalves, who fired home.

Floriana took just five minutes into the second half to take the lead when Jake Grech hit a thunderous drive that gave Akpan no chance.

The Greens remained in control but Mosta remained dangerous and seven minutes from time, Zachary Brincat hit a firm volley that smacked off the bar and from the rebound the same player saw his shot pushed away by Cioletti afs Floriana held on for the win.