BOV Premier League | Balzan 1 – Ħamrun Spartans 0

Ħamrun created the first opportunity on goal after fifteen minutes. Manolito Micallef Served Jake Grech who finished off target.

Two minutes later, Balzan suffered a setback when they were forced to substitute Abdelkarim Nafti after suffering an injury. Lydon Micallef took his place.

Despite losing an experienced player, Balzan kept working hard and went ahead on the 23rd minute. Alfred Effiong sent a cross towards Alan Da Silva Souza whose first time shot gave David Cassar no chance.

Bojan Kaljevic of Balzan had a good chance on the half hour mark. From a free kick, the Montenegrin striker saw his effort going slightly over.

A minute late later, Da Silva Souza sent a shot from distance that went wide.

The Spartans went close a minute into the second half. Substitute player Saturday Nanapere sent a cross towards debutant Mathieu Manset who acrobatically finished high.

Balzan responded on the 48th minute. Effiong went inside the penalty area and hit a low shot that was neutralised by Cassar.

Ħamrun nearly scored the equalising goal on the 52nd minute. From a free kick, Jake Grech sent a strong shot that hit the post and went wide.

On the hour mark, Balzan ended up in ten men when Dylan Grima was shown his second yellow card after a foul on Saturday Nanapere.

Jacque Scerri’s side kept on looking for the equalising goal and had another good opportunity on the 69th minute. Nanapere went down the left flank and sent a cross inside the penalty area that was met by Karl Micallef whose effort was well saved by Ivan Janjusevic.

Balzan had a chance to seal the issue on the 90th minute. Paul Fenech found Milos Lepovic in the penalty area and the latter’s effort went off target.

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

Ħamrun Spartans starting line-up: David Cassar, Karl Micallef, Luke Grech, Sergio Raphael Dos Anjos, Luis Miguel Vergara Rodriguez, Massimiliano Giusti, Manolito Micallef, Igor Misan, Luke Sciberras, Jake Grech, Mathieu Manset.

Referee: Matthew Degabriele

Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, Christopher Francalanza

Fourth Official: Etienne Mangion

BOV player of the match: Paul Fenech (Balzan)