Floriana fall one point behind new leaders Hamrun Spartans as they conceded a late goal to lose 0-1 to Marsaxlokk at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The Southseasiders, on the other hand, remain fourth but move to just four points behind Sliema Wanderers, six ahead of Hibernians and Birkirkara.
The two teams had their fair share of scoring opportunities but with eight minutes to go, Marsaxlokk notched the winner when Yuri Messias released Sunday Akinbule on the right and the latter beat goalkeeper Georgi Kitanov with a powerful shot from inside the area.
Akinbule was sent off one minute from time after receiving a second yellow card to leave his side in ten men.