Floriana reach semi final with second half goals
Floriana reached the semi final stage of the IZIBET FA Trophy after beating Birkirkara with second half goals.
Floriana will now face Hibernians in the semi final as the two sides are still engaged in the title race with the Paolites having a two-point advantage.
Floriana were the better team especially in the second half with the Birkirkara defence not at its best.
The first half had very little to offer with the Stripes having a slight edge over the Greens, but they rarely created scoring opportunities.
Just before the break Ryan Camenzuli was put through by Reid with his effort brilliantly saved by Fernandes.
On 53 minutes Floriana took the lead when Camenzuli passed towards Reid who managed to avoid Carniello’s challenge before shooting low into the net from an acute angle.
On 64 minutes Birkirkara drew level with a well executed move from a freekick action, with the ball squared to the completely unmarked Yankam who drilled the ball home.
On 74 minutes Fernandes saved his side with a great save off a Rutjens header.
Floriana were now the better team and on 83 minutes Busuttil passed towards Kemar Reid, but his effort was blocked off the goal line by Ryan Scicluna.
Sixty seconds later Floriana took a deserved lead when substitute Ciolacu scored with a low drive from the heart of the penalty area.
Two minutes later Floriana were on velvet when Jan Busuttil ponced on a Carniello defensive mishap to beat Fernandes with a low drive.
Floriana were unlucky not to score a fourth when Paiber’s freekick smashed against the upright.