Derby delight for Floriana

Eternal rivals and neighbours Floriana and Valletta crossed swords in the main match from the fourth day of the BOV Premier League.

A goal by Kemar Reid four minutes from time gave a derby win to Floriana over Valletta with the Greens leapfrogging the Lillywhites in the table.For Valletta this was their first defeat of the season.

The Greens started the campaign with a win against Pieta Hotspurs but were held by Sirens in the following and lost their last encounter by a solitary goal against Birkirkara.

On the other hand Valletta figured in two draws against Hibernians and Sirens whereas they won comfortably against Pieta Hotspurs.

Missing for Valletta was ex-Floriana Brandon Paiber serving a one-match ban. As for Floriana Jan Busuttil wasn’t included in the match day squad.

After just 23 seconds Floriana nearly forged ahead when Magri Overend made his way past two defenders before rifling a shot which was turned onto a corner by Guarnone.

Valletta responded on fifteen minutes when Bevis won a tussle with Callegari but his shot sailed just over the bar.

Play was restricted for long stretches in the midfield sector with both teams failing to take control of the proceedings.

Eight minutes from the break a insidious cross by Bevis could have had a better ending but Ngong arrived late.

And in the 40th minute a low drive from the distance by Veselji was saved by Guarnone.

On resumption we had to wait till the 60th minute with Floriana trying to find a way forward and Andrei Ciolacu fired a diagonal shot which sailed over the bar.

Fifteen minutes from the end Fewo played the ball backwards towards an onrushing Bevis but his shot missed the desired target.

On 80 minutes Scicluna brought the best out of Guarnone who saved his shot in style.

And on the other end Cheveresan nearly popped in but Rutjens was on the alert to block the Brazilian before shooting.

Floriana left it late to score the winning goal when Ciolacu released Kemar Reid and after entering the box the Jamaican forward placed the ball in the corner of the net to the delight of their numerous supporters.

Photo: Kemar Raid (L) of Floriana is challenged by Eslit Sala (R) of Valletta during the first half. Copyright © Domenic Aquilina