YoHealth Malta Premier – Closing round Matchday 1
Floriana………….3
Naxxar Lions….1
Floriana returned to winning ways in the YoHealth Malta Premier closing round after coming from behind to defeat Naxxar Lions 3–1, ending a run of two consecutive matches without a victory.
Naxxar made a dream start and stunned Floriana inside the opening five minutes when Souza spotted goalkeeper Cioletti off his line and produced an audacious long-range effort that found the net. The Lions continued to look dangerous in the first half, with captain Farias going close from the left and another effort striking the upright as Floriana struggled to settle.
Despite creating several opportunities through Souza and Da Silva, Naxxar failed to capitalise on their dominance, with Cioletti keeping Floriana in the game through a series of important saves. Floriana responded late in the half through efforts by Varela and captain Vella, but the sides went into the break with Naxxar holding a deserved lead.
Floriana’s response after the interval was immediate and decisive. Coach Portela’s changes paid off as substitute Jake Grech drew Floriana level in the 48th minute with a low strike from the left that beat Debono. The momentum swung firmly in Floriana’s favour and they took the lead on 57 minutes when Dervisagic cut inside from the right and fired past the helpless Naxxar goalkeeper.
Naxxar attempted to respond and went close through Fenech, but Floriana sealed the result in the 76th minute. Grech once again played a key role, delivering from the right for Linhares, who finished confidently from a central position to make it 3–1.
Naxxar introduced fresh legs with a triple substitution in the closing stages and Pace Cocks went close late on, but Floriana comfortably managed the remainder of the match to secure all three points.
The victory sees Floriana regain momentum in the closing round, while the defeat leaves Naxxar Lions hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone as pressure continues to mount.
Player of the Match: Jake Grech
Referee: Daniel Casha
