BOV Premier League | Balzan 3– Gżira United 1

Balzan went ahead on the 49th minute. Effiong went on the left flank and sent a cross which Anthony Curmi failed to neutralise. Possession fell for Abdelkarim Nafti who hit a first time shot from the edge of the penalty area that ended up inside the net.

Oliver Spiteri’s side increased the margin of the score three minutes later. Lydon Micallef was brought down inside the penalty area and Clayton Pisani ordered a penalty. Micallef himself took charge of the spot kick and converted past Curmi.

On the 58th minute, Balzan sealed the issue by scoring their third goal. From a free kick, Ryan Fenech sent a cross towards substitute Bojan Kaljevic who headed home.

The Maroons had a chance to reduce the margin of the score on the 79th minute. Samir Arab fouled Claudio Reyna and the referee whistled for another penalty. However, Reyna saw his shot from the penalty spot going high.

On the 88th minute, Balzan were reduced to ten men after Samir Arab was shown a straight red following a dangerous foul on Dyson Falzon.

Two minutes later, Gżira scored a consolation goal. Zachary Scerri received the ball inside the penalty area and finished past Christian Cassar.

Balzan starting line-up: Christian Cassar, Steve Bezzina, Bruno De Giglio Oliveira, Dylan Grima, Paul Fenech, Ryan Fenech, Abdelkarim Nafti, Lydon Micallef, Elkin Serrano Valero, Matteo Piciollo, Alfred Effiong

Gżira United starting line-up: Anthony Curmi, Jacob Borg, Antonio Machedo Neto, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Moises Avila Perez, Ian Azzopardi, Ige Adeshina, Juan Carlos Corbalan, Carlos Reyna, Zachary Scerri, Gianmarco Conti

Referee: Clayton Pisani

Assistant Referees: Edward Spiteri, Martin Borg

Additional Assistant Referees: Matthew Degabriele, Darko Stankovic

Fourth Official: Ryan Aquilina

BOV Player of the Match: Alfred Effiong (Balzan)