BOV Premier League | Balzan 2 – Tarxien Rainbows 2

Tarxien were the best team in the early stages of the match and had a good chance on the 15th minute. Alex Nilsson received the ball from Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia and went on a good run down the left flank before firing a strong shot that forced a good save from Ivan Janjusevic.

Balzan responded with a goal on the 31st minute. Bojan Kaljevic won possession and served Abdelkarim Nafti who went through on goal and finished past Philip Schranz.

Oliver Spiteri’s side increased the margin of the score on the 44th minute. Dylan Grima sent Paul Fenech through on the right side and the latter went on a good run inside the penalty area before hitting a low shot that ended up inside the net.

Balzan kept pushing forward and had another opportunity on the 57th minute. From a free kick, Nafti sent a shot that was neutralised by Schranz.

Bruno De Giglio Oliveira of Balzan had a good opportunity to score Balzan’s third goal on the 72nd minute. Paul Fenech delivered the ball inside the penalty area in the direction of the Brazilian whose header went slightly over.

The Rainbows replied two minutes later with a goal. Da Paixao Alves served Julian Galea inside the penalty area and the substitute player hit a strong shot that gave Janjusevic no chance.

Tarxien increased the pressure and their efforts paid off on the 81st minute. Following a cross, Janjusevic punched the ball towards Alex Nillson who saw the opposing goalkeeper slightly outside of his place and chipped the ball inside the net.

In the additional time given by the referee, Balzan were close to score a later winner. Terence Agius hit a strong shot from the edge of the penalty area that took a deflection of a defender and ended slightly over.

Balzan starting line-up: Ivan Janjusevic, Bruno Giglio De Oliveira, Bojan Kaljevic, Samir Arab, Alan Da Silva Souza, Dylan Grima, Abdelkarim Nafti, Ryan Fenech, Elkin Serrano Valero, Paul Fenech, Matteo Piciollo.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Philip Schranz, Ebiabowei Baker, Emerson Marcellina, Triston Caruana, Daniel Ponce De leon Garcia, Alex Nilsson, Sergio Fernandez Prendes, Daniel Zerafa, Alex Da Paixao Alves, Matthew Tabone, Kurt Zammit.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit

Assistant Referees: Sammy Attard, Peter Abela

Fourth Official: Eman Grech

BOV player of the match: Paul Fenech (Balzan)