Floriana were held in a 1-1 draw by Birkirkara in a match from the VBET Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the Tony Bezzina stadium on Thursday.
The Greens therefore hardly took any advantage from Marsaxlokk’s defeat to Birzebbuga St. Peter’s on Wednesday and they moved to one point behind the Southseasiders, six behind leaders Valletta. For Floriana, this was the third successive draw after the draws with Balzan and Mosta.
Birkirkara, on the other hand, joined Balzan in seventh place on 11 points. A precious point for the Stripes after back-to-back defeats to Valletta and Marsaxlokk.
Franklin Sasere was unlucky to hit the foot of the upright with a header early in the game but on 4 minutes, he managed to put the Stripes ahead when he slotted the ball past goalkeeper Guilherme Cioletti after receiving an assist by Louis Pahama.
Floriana, however, levelled matters on 16 minutes when Paul Mbong, served on the right, squared low for Kenan Dervisagic to beat goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa.