Floriana bounced back from a defeat to Hamrun Spartans in their last outing as they defeated Balzan 2-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Saturday.
A win which puts the Greens in third place, at least temporarily, leaving Balzan on the six-point mark as they suffer a fourth defeat this season.
Balzan had three changes as goalkeeper Jake Galea was making his debut, replacing Vukasin Vranes while Michael Johnson and Milan Djuric made way for Gary Camilleri and Sean Cipriott. Floriana, on the other hand, had Brandon Paiber and Eugeniu Rebenja replacing Jan Busuttil and Augusto Caseres.
The Greens took the lead on the 27th minute when off an assist by Ryan Camenzuli from the left, Eugeniu Rebenja served Ulises Arias who controlled the ball before hitting past goalkeeper Jake Galea.
Balzan equalised three minutes in the second half thanks to Alex da Paixao Alves, served by Bojan Kaljevic on the right, who dribbled two defenders before beating goalkeeper Kitanov.
Floriana regained the lead on the 66th minute when Zachary Cassar delivered a cross from the left and substitute Jan Busuttil slotted past goalkeeper Galea.
BALZAN Jake Galea, Augustine Loof, Samir Arab, Marcus Grima (Adam Bradshaw 90’), Paul Fenech (Pedro Mota 71’), Alex da Paixao, Milos Zlatkovic, Gary Camilleri (Neil Frendo 80’), Milos Mijic (Milan Djuric 80’), 86-Bojan Kaljevic, Sean Cipriott (Aleksa Andrejic 71’).
Coach: Mark MillerFLORIANA Georgi Kitanov, Adam Magri Overend (Aleandro Garzia-80’), Christian Rutjens, Zachary Cassar, Kristian Keqi, Ulises Jose Arias (Andrei Ciolacu 52’), Matias Nicolas Garcia, Brandon Paiber (Daniel Agius 80’), Emiliano Callegari, Eugeniu Rebenja (Augusto Caseres 52’), Ryan Camenzuli (Jan Busuttil 62’).
Coach: Gianluca AtzoriReferee: Glen Tonna
Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, Christopher Francalanza
Fourth Official: Daniel Portelli
Yellow Cards: E. Callegari, M. Garcia, K. Keqi, A. Loof, D. Agius, N. Frendo, A. Ciolacu
Red Cards: 40′ Kristian Keqi, Augustine Loof
BOV Player of the Match: Alex da Paixao Alves