Despite playing for over thirty five minutes in ten men, Floriana held on to a 1-1 draw with Hamrun Spartans in this weekend’s big match from the 360Sports Malta Premier at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The Greens, who were chasing their first win, managed to take an early lead but a penalty restored equilibrium. Then early in the second half, the dismissal of Mattia Veselji complicated matters for Darren Abdilla’s side but they still managed to take a draw home.
Floriana had Franklin Sasere making his debut as he was preferred to Kyrian Nwoko. The Spartans also had one change as Sven Xerri replaced the injured Steve Borg while Emerson Marcelina remains on the sidelines due to an injury.
The Greens took the lead after just three minutes when off an assist by Mattia Veselji, Jake Grech served Dunstan Vella with a perfect backheel pass and the latter placed the ball in the bottom right corner past goalkeeper Henry Bonello.
Hamrun Spartans equalised on 24 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Joseph Mbong was brought down inside the area by goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi and from the penalty spot, Luke Montebello made no mistake.
Nine minutes in the second half, Floriana were reduced to ten men after Mattia Veselji received a second yellow card.