Narrow win keeps Greens on track

A goal by Antonio Monticelli mid-way through the second half gave Floriana a third win in four matches as they beat Mosta 1-0 to move closer to the top as they now lie on the 23-points mark.

Mosta, on the other hand, missed the chance to close in on the teams on top after collecting precious points in recent outings.

The Blues had three changes from the team which drew with Tarxien Nigerian striker Onyekachi Okonkwo was making his debut while Ryan Grech and Edile Micheletti were both named in the starting line-up, replacing Hassan Y’au, Dyson Falzon and Jonas Ekani Rodriguez. On the other hand, Clyde Borg regplaced Mauricio Villa for Floriana.

The Greens had an edge over their opponents and the best opportunity fell at the feet of Nicolas Chiesa whose rising shot was deflected by Omar Borg onto the crossbar before being cleared into safety on 56 minutes.

Floriana finally managed to break the deadlock on 67 minutes through Antonio Monticelli who flicked the ball past Omar Borg off a freekick from the left by Steve Pisani.

MOSTA Omar Borg, Tyrone Farrugia, Manolito Micallef, Osa Guobadia, Adrian Borg (81′ Dyson Falzon), Edile Micheletti Awoh, Samuel Chukwide, Ryan Grech (73′ Ian Zammit), Edin Murga, Saviour Fidelis, Onyekachi Donatus Okonkwo (64′ Fredrick Bobby Abel).
Subs not used: Yenz Cini, Mark Brincat, James Brincat, Kyle Frendo.
Coach: Anton Cremona

FLORIANA Matthew Calleja Cremona, Antonio Monticelli, Enrico Pepe, Steve Pisani (78′ Conor Borg), Clyde Borg, Jurgen Pisani, Matteo Picciollo, Steve Bonnici, Emanuel Briffa, Nicolas Chiesa (90+4′ Firas Aboulezz), Mario Fontanella (73′ Mauricio Villa).
Subs not used: Tyrone Gauci, Andre Scicluna, Luke Micallef, Filippo Andrea Scozzese.
Coach: Luis Oliveira

Referee: Marco Borg
Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Luke Portelli
Fourth Official: Sandro Spiteri
Yellow Cards: Okonkwo, Chukwide, Fidelis, Micheletti
Scorers: 67′ Antonio Monticelli
BOV Player of the Match: Clyde Borg