BOV Premier League | Floriana 1 – Tarxien Rainbows 1

Floriana made a perfect start to the match as they went ahead after just four minutes. Maurizio Vella fired a shot from distance that was parried by Andrea Cassar. Rebound fell for Mario Fontanella who finished inside the net.

Giovanni Tedesco was forced to make an early substitution on the 25th minute when Enrico Pepe got injured and was replaced by Ryan Camenzuli.

The greens nearly doubled the score on the 34th minute. Fontenella flicked the ball towards Amadou Samb who went inside the penalty area and sent a volley that hit the upright.

The Rainbows responded on the 39th minute. Alex Da Paixao Alves fired a shot from distance that was neutralised by Justin Haber.

A minute into the second half, Steve Pisani of Floriana tried his luck from distance, but his shot went high.

On the 48th minute, Floriana won a free kick just outside the penalty area and Ruiz took charge of it. The Argentine hit a shot that was well saved by Cassar.

Tedesco’s side kept pushing forward and won a penalty two minutes later. Ebiabowei Baker brought down Vella inside the penalty area and the referee ordered a penalty. However, Nicolas Chiesa saw his shot from the penalty spot being saved by Cassar. From the rebound, Fontanella headed over.

Tarxien created a good chance on the hour mark. Triston Caruana delivered the ball inside the penalty area towards Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia; however, the Spanish player over hit his shot as the chance was lost.

Jesmond Zerafa's side equalised five minutes later. Ponce De Leon Garcia sent a cross inside the penalty area towards the unmarked Triston Caruana who jumped high and headed past Haber.

Floriana were unlucky once more on the 71st minute. Vella hit a shot from distance that took a deflection and hit the post before going out. From the resulting corner, Jurgen Pisani fired a header that went high.

The Rainbows nearly went ahead for the first time in the match on the 77th minute. Alex Nilsson went on a good run and hit a shot that was saved by Haber. From the rebound, Ponce De Leon Garcia saw his effort going slightly wide.

Tarxien kept on dominating the latter stages of the match and had another chance on the 82nd minute. Da Paixao Alves went inside the penalty area, but his shot hit the side netting.

Two minutes from time, Sacha Borg lost a golden opportunity for Tarxien. Da Paixao Alves went on the right flank and delivered the ball towards Borg who from an ideal position failed to hit the target.

Floriana starting line-up: Justin Haber, Enrico Pepe, Enzo Ruiz, Steve Pisani, Clyde Borg, Maurizio Vella, Jurgen Pisani, Alex Cini, Amadou Samb, Nicolas Chiesa, Mario Fontanella.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Andrea Cassar, Ebiabowei Baker, Emerson Marcellina, Julian Galea, Triston Caruana, Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia,  Alex Nilsson, Alex Fernandez prendes, Alex Da Paixao Alves, Matthew Tabone, Sacha Borg.

Referee: Matthew Degabriele

Assistant referees: Alan Camilleri, Sammy Attard

Fourth official: Clayton Pisani

BOV player of the match: Maurizio Vella (Floriana)