Balzan defeat Sliema as Valletta edge past Mqabba

With this result, Balzan move up to sixth in the BOV Premier League standings as Sliema remain in fourth place with Birkirkara both on 26 points.

Sliema went ahead on the 26^th minute when Ryan Fenech's shot from outside the area beat goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri.

On the 27^th minute, Balzan were back in the match after they scored the equalizer. Martin Deyanov served Pedro dos Santos Calcado who then went on to beat Sliema goalkeeper Henry Bonello with his low shot.

On the 89^th minute, Balzan were awarded a penalty after Josef Mifsud brought Fagner Lins Bernardes down inside the area. Pedro dos Santos Calcado's effort was saved by Bonello to keep the score leveled.

Both teams had players sent off as the referee gave marching orders to Daniel Mitev and Jonathan Francica.

As the match was heading for both teams sharing the points, In the second minute of added time Miguel Ciantar dribbled past the goalkeeper and made no mistake with his shot towards a empty net. Balzan finished the match with all three points, while Sliema hand to reflect on their mistakes during the match.

Pedro dos Santos Calcado was voted BOV Player of the Match

BALZAN YOUTHS Matthew Camilleri, Yessous Camilleri, Jonathan Francica, Bledjon Guga, Rennie Forace (58′ Silvan Ciscaldi), Dylan Grima, Nikola Tasic, Bjorn Bondin, Martin Deyanov (70′ Miguel Ciantar), Pedro Dos Santos Calcado, Anthony Eviparker (76′ Fagner Lins Bernardes).
Subs not used: Fredrick Tabone, Michael Borg, Lydon Micallef, David Fenech.
Coach: Joe Borg
Team Manager: Ivan Zammit

SLIEMA WANDERERS Henry Bonello, Josef Mifsud, Mark Scerri, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (46′ Cleaven Frendo), Danial Mitev, Steve Bezzina (90 1′ Timothy Thomas), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (46′ Alex Muscat), Ryan Fenech, Rumen Galabov, Jeremiah Ani, Emiliano Lattes.
Subs not used: Anthony Curmi, David Spiteri, Ian Scerri, Ryan Grech.
Coach: Danilo Doncic
Assistant Coach: Saviour Debono Grech

Referee: Esther Azzopardi
Assistant Referees: Edward Spiteri, Mitchell Scerri
Fourth Official: Kevin Azzopardi
Yellow Cards: Gatt Baldacchino, Bondin, Fenech, Francica, Y. Camilleri, Guga, Mifsud
Red Cards: 90′ Danial Mitev, Jonathan Francica
Scorers: 16′ Ryan Fenech (S); 27′ Pedro dos Santos Calcado (B); 90 2′ Miguel Ciantar (B)

In the other match of the day, Valletta were made to work for their 2-1 vicotry over Mqabba.

Mqabba put in a great display but Valletta's patience enabled them to take all three points.

Mqabba took the shock lead on the 9^th minute. After receiving a cross from David Azzopardi, John Nwoba headed the ball in past goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.

Valletta pressed for the equalizer, but the score remained the same with Mqabba leading till the end of the first half.

Valletta managed to score the equaliser on the 56^th minute. Alfred Effiong's effort was partially saved by goalkeeper Kris Calleja, but Michael Mifsud picked up the rebound and made no mistake.

As both teams pressed for the winning goal, Valletta managed forge ahead on the 88^th minute. Steve Borg intercepted a bad clearance and his powerfull shot beat goalkeeper Kris Callejja to give Valletta the lead late into the match.

Kris Calleja was voted BOV Playerof the Match.

VALLETTA FC Andrew Hogg, Steve Borg, Jonathan Caruana, Roderick Briffa, Jamie Pace (77′ Dyson Falzon), Edmond Agius (55′ Gilbert Agius), Ian Azzopardi, Denni Rocha dos Santos, Ousseni Zongo (55′ Alfred Effiong), William Barbosa, Michael Mifsud.
Subs not used: Matthew Towns, Ramon dos Santos, Samir Arab, Siraj Arab.
Coach: Leonard Farrugia
Assistant Coach: Jesmond Zerafa

MQABBA FC Kris Calleja, Marko Potezica, Julian Briffa, Branislav Timotic, David Azzopardi (85' Shawn Magro), Thiago dos Santos Mazitelli, Mauro Bonnici, Pierre Grima, Ryan Sammut, John Nwoba (60′ Bojan Mamic)(70′ Marlon Briffa), Clayton Micallef.
Subs not used: Franklin Azzopardi, Mark Anthony Psaila, John Paul Muscat, Rene Duca.
Coach: Clive Mizzi
Assistant Coach: Renzo Kerr Cumbo

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri
Assistant Referees: Mario Debono, Thomas Debono
Fourth Official: Paul Caruana
Yellow Cards: Caruana, Grima
Scorers: 9′ John Nwoba (M), 56' Michel Mifsud (V); 88' Steve Borg (V)