Balzan back to winning ways

Sliema Wanderers are certainly not getting the results that they wish for – this was their third defeat in their last five matches.

Sliema thought that they had scored just seven minutes after the start. Pedro Henrique dos Santos Calcado found the back of the net off a rebound but the goal was ruled out after a foul in the penalty-box area.

Moments later, Balzan also found the back of the net when Alfred Effiong scored, but the play was judged offside.

Then just before half-time, Sliema were reduced to 10 men when Pedro Henrique dos Santos Calcado looked to hit Luke Sciberras.

Balzan managed to take the lead nine minutes into the second half. Lyndon Micallef concluded a solo effort when his shot beat goalkeeper Glen Zammit.

Sliema continued to press to get back into the match, but Balzan contained Sliema’s pressure to secure all three points.

BALZAN Christian Cassar, Dylan Grima, Samir Arab, Steve Bezzina, Lydon Micallef (76’ Maxim Focsa), Clive Brincat, Alfred Effiong (89’ Jamie Zerafa), Elkin Serrano Valero, Edison Bilbao Zarate, Aleksandar Vujacic, Luke Sciberras (60’ Terence Agius).

Subs not used: Mikhail Sciberras, Sean Cipriott, Justin Grioli, Ryan Darmanin.

Coach: Oliver Spiteri

SLIEMA WANDERERS Glenn Zammit, Alex Muscat, Benjamin Essel, Pedro Henrique dos Santos Calcado, Rafael Pompeo Rodrigues Ledesma (34’ Michael Mifsud), Aidan Jake Friggieri, Johann Bezzina (81’ Peter Xuereb), Kerlon Moura Souza (46’ Marko Potezica), Gary Muir, Stefano Bianciardi, Luke Dimech.

Subs not used: Timothy Aquilina, Justin Vella, John Mintoff, Ryan Dalli.

Coach: Stephen Azzopardi

Referee: Clayton Pisani

Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, David Castillo

Fourth Official: Philip Farrugia

Yellow Cards: Sciberras, Dimech

Red Cards: 43’ Pedrinho

Scorers: 54’ Lydon Micallef

BOV Player of the Match: Lydon Micallef