BOV Premier League | Ħamrun Spartans 0 – Floriana 1

Floriana were quick to create a first opportunity in today’s match against Hamrun Spartans, after nine minutes. From a corner, Fontanella sent a cross towards Ignacio Varela, whose header however was neutralised by Hamrun’s keeper Steve Sultana.

The Spartans hit back on the 28th minute. Dale Camilleri sent a cross that caused havoc inside Floriana’s penalty area. The ball went into the path of Mauricio Jose Marinho whose close range shot was saved by Ini Etim Akpan.

Five minutes later, Hamrun threatened again. Guilherme Felipe De Castro sent a shot from a free-kick that was neutralised by Akpan.

On the 35th minute, Lydon Micallef lost a golden opportunity for Ħamrun. Akpan sent his clearance directly towards Micallef who went past him, but delayed his shot in front of an open goal. Enzo Ruiz rushed back and blocked his effort.

Floriana replied on the brink of half-time. Juninho Cabral received the ball inside the penalty area and hit a low shot that was saved by Steve Sultana.

Two minutes into the second half, Sultana was alert once more as he managed to block Fontanella’s close-range shot.

The greens kept pushing forward and went close again on the 53rd minute when Clyde Borg served Cabral but the latter fired high.

A minute later, following a cross from the left, Fontanella headed slightly wide.

Floriana lost another great opportunity on the 69th minute when the Brazilian Cabral went on a good run inside the penalty area, but lost his composure in front of the goalkeeper and slotted the ball off-target.

On the 77th minute, Floriana’s substitute Leighton Grech received the ball on the right side of the penalty area and fired a shot that was saved by Sultana in two attempts.

Floriana’s efforts paid off on the 82nd minute. Leighton Grech delivered a cross towards Emerson Marcellina whose header was saved by Sultana. From the rebound, Fontanella finished home.

A minute later, Maurizio Vella of Floriana fired over from inside the penalty area.

Ħamrun Spartans starting line-up: Steve Sultana, Karl Micallef, Daniel Zerafa, Lydon Micallef, Triston Caruana, Dale Camilleri, Guilherme Felipe De Castro, Thiago Espindola De Paula, Terence Agius, Mauricio Jose Marinho, Arab Siraj Eddin

Floriana starting line-up: Ini Etim Akpan, James Baldacchino, Enrico Pepe, Enzo Ruiz, Clyde Borg, Ignacio Varela, Maurizio Vella, Juninho Cabral, Alex Cini, Mario Fontanella, Emerson Marcellina

Referee: Clayton Pisani

Assistant Referees: Edward Spiteri, Mitchell Scerri

Additional Assistant Referees: Fyodor Zammit, Philip Farrugia

Fourth Official: Jurgen Spiteri

Yellow Cards: Borg (Floriana), Camilleri (Ħamrun), Marcellina (Floriana), Varela (Floriana), Micallef (Ħamrun)

BOV Player of the Match: Juninho Cabral (Floriana)