BOV Premier League | Floriana 1– Tarxien Rainbows 0

Floriana started on the attack looking to score an early goal and nearly succeeded on the 7th minute. From a corner, Steve Pisani delivered a dangerous cross inside the penalty area that found Amadou Samb whose header hit the upright.

The greens had another opportunity on the 18th minute. Following a free kick, Sebastian Nayar sent a shot from distance that ended up off target.

On the 25th minute, Nicolas Chiesa of Floriana went on the right flank and served Fontanella. The latter attempted an effort on goal from close range that sailed centimetres wide of the post.

Tarxien responded on the 36th minute. From a free kick, Emerson Marcellina sent a cross that found Alex Nilsson whose header forced a great save from Justin Haber.

Floriana responded immediately and it was time for Philip Schranz to produce a spectacular save. From another free kick, Nayar delivered the ball towards the penalty area. Chiesa tried to slot the ball inside the net, but the Tarxien goalkeeper was on the alert to deny him.

Jesmond Zerafa’s side believed more in themselves and slightly missed the target on the 41st minute. Triston Caruana went on a good run and hit a low shot that ended up marginally wide.

The Rainbows tested Haber again two minutes later. Alex Da Paixao Alves went on the left side of the pitch and sent a cross towards Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia. The Spanish player fired a close range shot that was well blocked by the experienced goalkeeper.

On the 49th minute, everyone thought that Floriana had scored. Chiesa passed the ball towards Fontanella and the Italian forward managed to find Samb. The Floriana midfielder went inside the penalty area and fired a powerful drive from an angle that hit the side netting. Many Floriana supporters shouted for a goal as they thought that the ball went in.

Giovanni Tedesco’s side were unlucky again on the 58th minute. Fontanella sent a through ball towards Samb who ran inside the penalty area and tried to place the ball inside the net but his effort went wide.

Despite putting in a lot of effort, it seemed that Floriana could not score as the greens lost another massive opportunity on the 66th minute. Antonio Monticelli delivered a cross that found Fontanella inside the goal area and the Floriana forward sent a header that hit the post. Rebound fell for Nayar who hit a powerful drive that was blocked by the Tarxien defenders.

Three minutes later, Floriana had another chance on target. Steve Pisani tried his luck from a free kick, but found Schranz focused as the young goalkeeper went down to his left and parried the ball.

On the 72nd minute, Chiesa fired a strong shot that was also neutralised by the Tarxien goalkeeper.

Floriana lost another golden chance on the 74th minute as they missed a penalty. Sacha Borg brought down Steve Pisani inside the penalty area and the referee pointed towards the spot. However, from the eleven metres mark, Nayar fired high.

Finally, Floriana managed to break the deadlock on the 88th minute. Nayar found Fontanella on the right side of the penalty area and the Floriana striker hit a low shot past Schranz.

Tarxien hit back immediately and were denied by Haber a minute later. Ebiabowei Baker sent a cross that found Nilsson who sent a close range header that was well saved by the Floriana goalkeeper.

Floriana starting line-up: Justin Haber, Andre Scicluna, Antonio Monticelli, Enrico Pepe, Steve Pisani, Sebastian Nayar, Jurgen Pisani, Amadou Samb, Nicolas Chiesa, Mario Fontanella, Ryan Camenzuli.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Philip Schranz, Ebiabowei Baker, Emerson Marcellina, Triston Caruana, Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia, Alex Nilsson, Sergio Fernandez Prendes, Daniel Zerafa, Alex Da Paixao Alves, Matthew Tabone, Sacha Borg.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit

Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Christopher Azzopardi

Fourth Official: Alan Mario Sant

BOV Player of the Match: Philip Schranz (Tarxien Rainbows)