Floriana returned to winning ways, defeating Gżira United 2-1 in a match from the 360Sports Malta Premier Opening Round at the National Stadium on Friday.
A win which puts Darren Abdilla’s side in second place, one point behind leaders Birkirkara and one ahead of Sliema Wanderers but the latter two have a game in hand.
Floriana had two changes from the team which drew with Hibernians as Aleandro Garzia and Thiaguinho Santos replaced Fernandinho and the suspended Oualid El Hasni. On the other hand, Jurgen Pisani, Kevin Tulimieri and Faysal Chouaib were preferred to Marcelo Dias, Andrew Borg and Brooklyn Borg for Gzira.
Floriana had a perfect start, taking the lead on 7 minutes as Matias Garcia sent Jake Grech through and the latter beat Justin Haber with a fine rising shot from the right.
Gzira equalised four minutes from the end of the first half when off a Thiaguinho corner from the right, Gabriel Boihrer Mentz’s header was blocked by Fernandinho but the Brazilian defender slammed the ball home off the rebound.
However hardly a minute later, Floriana regained the lead thanks to a wonder strike by Carlo Zammit Lonardelli which saw the ball hit the upright before ending at the back of the net behind goalkeeper Justin Haber.
>> Floriana vs Gzira United match card