FLORIANA 1

Pinheiro 76

TARXIEN RAINBOWS 2

Martinelli 13; Ronaille 71

Hampared by a six-point penalty for not settling their dues with Birkirkara before the deadline, Floriana made a slow start to the season and yesterday an unispring Floriana side conceded the first defeat of the season after failing to break down a resolute Tarxien side who were well-marshalled by the experienced Carlo Mamo and goalkeeper Nicholas Vella.

The Rainbows responded for an ominous start when Luca Martinelli found space in the area and left himself almost no margin of error in slicing the ball between the goalkeeper and the upright from an angled position.

Although Floriana lost the measure of control they had exerted for a spell but there was still much to encourage Ian Dawes the Floriana coach, particularly when Igor Coronado opened up the defence but Steve Pisani should have done better than side-foot wide from the edge of the area ater 36 minutes.

Three minutes later, Daniel Hanford, the Floriana goalkeeper produced a crucial block to stop Brazilian striker Ronaille from close range.

The pattern continued after the break and Coronado thought he had finally pierced Tarxien’s resilience after 53 minutes e swiftly forced Vella into a smart save after a smart turn in the area.

Floriana continued to drive forward but Tarxien were not about to crumble and after 71 minutes, Ronaille doubled their lead when he guided a diagonal shot past Hanford via the foot of the post.

With Coronado wasteful in front of goal, it was left for new striker Pinheiro four minutes later, who at last provided the spark to reignite Floriana’s battle. Coronado swung in a cross for Pinheiro to nod in and to provide a lifeline as the Greens laid siege to Tarxien’s goal in the closing minutes.