The Malta Independent on Sunday
Fontanella late strike enough to give Floriana win over Spartans
Pepe and Ruiz flung themselves at anything that moved, while Clyde Borg and Maurizio Vella offered a measure of authority in central midfield.
Floriana succeeded in keeping their opponents blunted. Hamrun’s Lydon Micallef was the culprit for missing a couple of good chances for his side in the first half.
A hefty suspension also deprived the Spartans of their forward Pedro Gois, who will be out of action till the end of October. Other Brazilian ‘Cicho’ Claveiro was also missing, with only three foreigners named by coach Scerri in the starting line-up yesterday.
The first half was a largely clumsy affair, certainly in an attacking sense, as heavy touches and mis-hit passes dominated proceedings.
Floriana’s only real attempt in a cagey first half, came after nine minutes, with a Varela header saved by keeper Sultana off a Fontanella corner.
Although Floriana continued to push forward, their efforts were too soft to threaten Steve Sultana in the Hamrun goal, even if be- fore the break, Cabral found the ball at his feet inside the Hamrun area, but Sultana footed out his effort.
The Spartans themselves began to look menacing after the half hour. Camilleri sent a low cross inside the Floriana area, catching the Greens’ defence off balance. Lydon Micallef had an effort blocked and keeper Akpan saved Marinho’s shot from the rebound.
Clyde Borg’s timely tackle stopped Agius from reaching for the ball inside the Floriana area.
On 36 minutes, Micallef took possession off an erratic clearance by the Floriana keeper but the grounded defender Ruiz managed to block his shot on the line. It was still goalless at halftime. Floriana again made the more promising start to the second half. Fontanella made progress isnide the Hamrun area from the left. His shot was repelled by keeper Sultana and Marinho cleared into a corner.
Five minutes later keeper Sultana dropped a deep Vella cross, but recovered in time to save substitute Leighton Grech’s effort.
The Spartans had appeared fragile at that stage, and wilted with nine minutes remaining.
Grech crossed from inside the area from the right, Marcelina’s firm header was held out by Sultana, who was rendered helpless by Fontanella’s strike to give his side a third win and lifts them in second place.