Floriana strengthened their position at the top of the YoHealth Malta Premier Closing Round table after edging Sliema Wanderers 1-0 in the Old Firm derby.

A second-half goal by Federico Varela proved decisive, with the Floriana forward lifting the ball over goalkeeper Rashed Al Tumi to secure all three points for the Greens.

The victory moves Floriana five points clear at the summit, while Sliema Wanderers remain in seventh place on 13 points. With only one match left to play, Sliema must now depend on other results to keep their hopes of a Top 6 finish alive.

Sliema created the first opportunity after 17 minutes when Fernandinho produced a strong run down the right flank before firing a swerving shot that went narrowly wide.

Floriana responded soon after through Varela, who advanced down the right and set up Charles M’Mombwa, but his low effort was gathered safely by Al Tumi at the second attempt.

The Greens nearly capitalised on a defensive mistake on 31 minutes when Steven Pisani’s back pass fell kindly to Kenan Dervišagić. However, as the striker attempted to round the goalkeeper, referee Ezekiel Barbara ruled that the forward had simulated and awarded a foul to Sliema.

Floriana continued to threaten and shortly afterwards Varela delivered a cross that found Dunstan Vella, but his header was comfortably collected by Al Tumi.

Sliema came close just before the break when Thiago Espindola sent a long ball towards Uros Duranovic, but the striker was quickly closed down by Iago Mendonca as he entered the penalty area.

After the restart, Sliema nearly broke the deadlock when Roko Prsa’s corner found Gustavo Alcino, whose header was brilliantly tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Guilherme Cioletti.

Floriana eventually scored the decisive goal in the 70th minute. A long ball forward was chased by Varela, who reacted quickly and delicately lobbed the ball over the advancing Al Tumi.

Sliema pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages, but Floriana remained solid defensively and held on to secure a narrow but important victory.

Sliema Wanderers: R. Al Tumi, J. Borg, A. Magri Overend (57 Wescley), U. Duranovic, R. Prsa (75 M. Barros), G. Alcino, A. Seruca, S. Pisani, M. Awad, T. Espindola, Fernandinho (78 L. Montebello).

Floriana: G. Cioletti, M. Beerman, J. Grech, K. Dervisagic (83 R. Areias), N. Escudero, F. Varela, D. Vella, A. Kurtalic, A. Mabea (71 C. Zammit Lonardelli), C. M’Mombwa, I. Mendonca, P. Mbong (90 A. Abreu).