Floriana edge past Hibernians to set up final against Valletta
Floriana will meet Valletta in the final of the Izibet FA Trophy following a 2-1 win over Champions Hibernians in the second semi final. It was an entertaining, intense and wonderful match which was a good advert for the local games.
This was a match between two teams that were the main protagonists of the BOV Premier League. It was Hibernians who won the Championship, finishing three points ahead of Floriana.
So the objectives were the Paolites targeting the double whereas Floriana hoping to end the season on a positive note by winning the Izibet FA Trophy.
The history of both sides in this competition is a rich one. The Greens won it 20 times and ended twelve times as losing finalists. On the other hand Hibernians won it ten times and lost eleven finals.
In previous rounds Floriana defeated Ghajnsielem 1-0, St. George’s 2-0 and Birkirkara 3-1 in the quarter-finals.
Hibernians beat Nadur Youngsters 2-0, Zejtun Corinthians 2-1 and Hamrun Spartans 3-1 in the previous rounds.
During this season Hibernians and Floriana met three times with the first round clash ending in a goalless draw, the second ending in a convincing 4-1 win for Hibernians and the third ending in another goalless draw.
On 6 minutes Hibernians created their first chance when Degabriele avoided Rutjens and his shot brought the best out of Kitanov who turned in style onto a corner.
Floriana took the lead in the 27th minute when Kemar Reid made his way into the opposing area and after avoiding Agius fired into the corner of the net. But drama ensued as their was a free for all after the goal celebrations with Reid given the marching order following his second yellow card.
Nearing the end of the first half Floriana went near when Busuttil set Arias whose shot was saved by Calleja Cremona. In the 43rd minute Hibernians went near when off a Jake Grech cross a headed flick by Degabriele nearly deceived Kitanov.
But it was Floriana who double their lead deep into first half stoppage time through a gem of a goal by Jan Busuttil whose cross shot left Calleja Cremona stranded.
Floriana started the second half on the offensive and in the 50th minute a Camenzuli rising shot sailed just over the bar. Hibernians tried to create but found a stubborn Floriana defence.
In the 74th minute Floriana once again near when a long ball by Rutjens found Camenzuli whose shot was blocked by Calleja Cremona. On the other end a grounder by Grech was saved by Kitanov.
Seven minutes from the end a Muniz free kick was stopped once again by the Floriana goalkeeper. But three minutes from the end Hibernians reduced the score when off a Muniz cross from the left flank a Domoraud header found the net.
The final minutes were tense with Floriana going near through Ciolacu whose shot was saved by Calleja Cremona and on the other end a Degabriele volley finished inches over the bar.
The final whistle was greated with joy by the Greens players and supporters who look forward to next Sunday’s final against arch rivals Valletta.