Floriana kept the pace with leaders Hibernians as they defeated Zabbar St. Patrick 3-1 n a match from the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Wednesday.
The Greens lie one point behind the Paolites and one ahead of Hamrun Spartans and Valletta. Zabbar, on the other hand, remain joint-second from bottom with three draws from six matches with Gzira United as they continue chasing their first win.
Floriana took the lead on 23 minutes when off a Federico Varela free kick, Iago Mendonca headed the ball home past goalkeeper Luca Camilleri.
Zabbar equalised on 54 minutes thanks to Vinicius De Paiva whose powerful shot from the left beat goalkeeper Guilherme Cioletti.
However, Floriana regained the lead hardly a minute later when Varela provided the assist for Mustapha Jah who beat the Zabbar goalkeeper.
On 57 minutes, Jah served Jake Grech who beat Luca Camilleri for Floriana’s third goal.