Floriana moved four points clear at the top of the YoHealth Malta Closing Round following a 2-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows at the Centenary Stadium. Myles Beerman scored both goals for the Greens, reinforcing their position at the summit.
The home side started strongly and took the lead just three minutes into the match. From a corner, Beerman struck a low shot into the bottom corner, giving Floriana an early advantage. Tarxien responded in the 14th minute when Claudio Barbosa’s effort was well saved by Floriana goalkeeper Pablo Picon.
Floriana almost doubled their lead shortly after, with Beerman’s cross finding Kenan Dervisagic, whose header went just over the bar. Tarxien believed they had equalised in the 18th minute when Barbosa deflected the ball into the net from a free-kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Four minutes before half-time, the Rainbows came close again from a defensive scramble, only for Greens defender Mendonca to clear off the line.
In stoppage time, Floriana launched a fast counter-attack. Zach Scerri served Charles M’Mombwa, whose low drive narrowly missed the target.
The second half began with an early opportunity for Floriana when Mustapha Jah won a penalty. However, Tarxien goalkeeper Alexander Lubik saved Jah’s shot from the spot. Tarxien had a chance to equalise on 52 minutes when Barbosa rounded Picon, but his effort went wide.
Floriana put the result beyond doubt in the 58th minute when Beerman fired a powerful shot into the net. Tarxien protested for a penalty in the 69th minute following an alleged push on Lokosa, but the referee allowed play to continue. One minute later, the Rainbows came close again, only for Barbosa’s shot to strike the upright with Picon beaten.
The victory strengthens Floriana’s lead at the top of the league, keeping their title ambitions firmly on track as the Closing Round progresses.
