Floriana edge past nine men Pembroke Athleta

Floriana took the initiative in the early stages of the match and were close to open the score after 5 minutes. Nicholas Chiesa dropped the ball towards Amadou Samb, but the Floriana striker headed just over.

On the 8th minute, Floriana created another good opportunity when Maurizio Vella’s cross found Andre Scicluna, whose volley ended up high.

The greens efforts paid off on the 11th minute. Samb went on the left before delivering a cross inside the goal area that found Fontanella. The striker stretched his legs and placed the ball behind Mario Muscat.

Pembroke hit back and managed to equalise on the 18th minute when Luke Montebello was played through on goal by Barbetti. The 21 year old kept calm and chipped the ball past Haber to make it 1-1.

Winston Muscat’s side were close to go ahead on the 28th minute. Haber managed saved Luke Montebello’s volley, but failed to hold. The ball fell for Siraj who fired high.

Three minutes later, Floriana scored their second goal. From Monticelli’s cross, Brandon Muscat’s committed an own goal in his attempt to clear the ball.

Pembroke were close to score an equalising goal on the 33rd minute. Mano Micallef delivered a cross from a free kick on the right side that was met by Adrian Borg who headed the ball past Haber. However, Jurgen Spiteri raised the flag for an offside.

Floriana started the second half looking for a second goal. On the 50th minute, Fontanella tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area, but his shot ended up high.

On the 57th minute, Floriana won a freekick from the right side. Maurizio Vella fired a shot from distance that forced a good save from Muscat.

Muscat had to be on the alert again on the 65th minute. From Maurizio Vella’s free kick, Enrico Pepe sent a header that was saved by Muscat.

Pembroke’s hopes of an equaliser took a setback on the 69th minute after Siraj Eddin was sent off by Farrugia Cann for a violent conduct.

Having an extra man on the pitch, Floriana pushed for the third goal and were close on the 74th minute. Chiesa sent a dangerous cross inside the penalty area that was met by Vella. However, his effort went wide.

Eight minutes from time, Amadou Samb’s shot went inches wide of the post.

Four minutes later, Monticelli found himself through on goal, but was denied by Muscat. The ball fell for Gustavo Amadio, whose finish was saved again by the veteran goalkeeper.

Gustavo was denied again by Muscat on the 89th minute. The Floriana midfielder went through the right side before firing a shot that was parried by Pembroke’s goalkeeper.

Things kept going from bad to worse for a Pembroke Athleta who ended up with nine men after Luke Montebello was sent off for another violent conduct.

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann

Assistant referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Thomas Debono

Fourth official: Esther Azzopardi.

Yellow cards: Barbetti (Pembroke), Attard (Pembroke), Levnaic (Pembroke), Vella (Floriana)

Red card: Siraj Eddin (Pembroke), Montebello (Pembroke)