Floriana began the defence of their VBet Malta Premier title in convincing fashion as they defeated Birżebbuġa St Peter’s 3-0 at the Centenary Stadium.
The champions, who lifted the title last May, made a strong opening statement in the first match of the new league campaign, with Paul Mbong, Tomislav Gudelj and Myles Beerman all playing key roles in the victory.
Birżebbuġa St Peter’s had the first dangerous moment after six minutes when Shaun Dimech advanced well down the left, but Floriana goalkeeper Cioletti managed to turn the danger behind for a corner.
Floriana responded shortly afterwards when a cross from Romano on the right reached Mbong, who headed the ball down for Gudelj. The Croatian’s effort, however, lacked power and was gathered by Chiesa.
The Saints threatened again through Yuri Messias, whose run and shot forced another intervention from Cioletti, but Floriana gradually took control. Romano went close from outside the area after a free-kick routine, before Mbong skipped past three defenders inside the box and narrowly missed the target.
The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark when Floriana were awarded a penalty after Coppola handled the ball. Mbong took responsibility from the spot and converted with a curled effort to put the Greens ahead.
Before half-time, Floriana appealed through the Football Video Support system after Alex Bruno appeared to make a dangerous challenge in the Floriana penalty area. Referee Ishmael Barbara reviewed the incident but did not accept Floriana’s request for a red card, instead showing the Birżebbuġa attacker a yellow card.
The Saints then came close just before the interval when Coppola met a Messias free-kick and headed the ball down for Dimech, who sent his effort just over from close range.
Floriana doubled their advantage in the 54th minute. Dunstan Vella, introduced at half-time in place of Alen Kurtalic, released Gudelj down the left and the Croatian finished accurately from the edge of the area to beat Chiesa.
Gudelj nearly struck again soon after when another effort from the edge of the box came back off the post. Mbong followed up, but Chiesa saved to keep Birżebbuġa in the match.
Birżebbuġa coach Edgar Degabriele then requested a Football Video Support review after Vella had been booked for a challenge on Messias. After checking the incident, Barbara confirmed his original decision and did not upgrade the card.
Floriana made it 3-0 on the hour mark through Beerman, who produced a strong run from the left before entering the area and beating Chiesa with a powerful finish into the corner.
The champions later had the opportunity to extend the lead further when Mbong was brought down inside the box and Floriana were awarded a second penalty. Nicholas Varela stepped up, but his effort struck the crossbar.
Birżebbuġa continued to look for a consolation, with Messias testing Cioletti from distance before a late Zerafa cross was headed by a Floriana defender onto his own crossbar. Substitute Muric also had a chance late on but opted to look for Dervisagic, allowing the Floriana defence to clear.
Mbong was named player of the match after a decisive performance in which he scored the opener and remained central to Floriana’s attacking play.
Referee: Ishmael Barbara
Player of the match: Paul Mbong (Floriana FC)
Photo: Floriana FC
