BOV Premier League | Floriana 1 – Balzan 1

Balzan created the first opportunity on gaol after just four minutes. From a free-kick, Carlos Eduardo De Fiori Mendes sent a shot that went centimetres off target.

Ini Etim Akpan almost gifted Balzan the opening goal on the 11th minute. The Floriana goalkeeper failed to neutralise a long ball delivered by Samir Arab and possession fell for Bojan Kaljevic. However, Floriana’s defenders rushed back and blocked the Montenegrin’s effort.

Floriana replied on the 25th minute. Nicolas Chiesa delivered a cross towards the unmarked Ignacio Varela whose first time shot took a deflection off Bruno Gilio de Oliveira and went out for a corner.

On the 37th minute, De Fiori Mendes went on a good run before firing a shot from the edge of the penalty area that forced a good save from Akpan.

De Fiore Mendes threated Floriana’s defence once more in the additional time prior to half time. The Brazilian player hit a central shot that was saved by Akpan.

Balzan went ahead on the 54th minute. Bojan Kaljevic went on a great run down the right flank, entered the penalty area, and placed the ball behind Akpan from an angled position.

Floriana hit back on the 59th minute. Following a cross, the ball went into the path of Maurizio Vella whose low shot was saved by Janjusevic.

Two minutes later, Balzan had a good chance to double their advantage. Ryan Fenech sent powerful drive that took a deflection off a defender and went out for a corner.

Janjusevic had to be alert to deny Floriana on the 65th minute. Enzo Ruiz hit a shot from a free-kick that was parried by Balzan’s shot stopper.

Floriana equalised on the 72nd minute. From a corner, Steve Pisani delivered a cross that was met by Ruiz whose header that was saved by Janjusevic. Rebound fell for Vella who finished home.

The greens nearly went ahead on the 79th minute. Arthur Oyana hit a powerful drive that produced an excellent save from Janjusevic.

In the remaining minutes, both teams were happy to settle for a point with neather team threatening much.

Floriana starting line-up: Ini Etim Akpan, Enrico Pepe, Enzo Ruiz, Steve Pisani, Clyde Borg, Ignacio Varela, Maurizio Vella, Alex Cini, Arthur Oyama, Nicolas Chiesa (Dylan Grima – 52), Mario Fontanella

Balzan starting line-up: Ivan Janjusevic, Steven Bezzina, Michael Johnson, Alex Da Paixao Alves (Justin Grioli – 90), Uros Ljubomirac, Ryan Fenech, Bojan Kaljevic (Alfred Effiong – 69), Bruno Gilio de Oliveira, Paul Fenech, Carlos Eduardo De Fiori Mendes, Samir Arab (Milos Lepovic – 89)

Referee: Fyodor Zammit

Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Sammy Attard

Fourth Official: Glen Tonna

Yellow Cards: Steve Pisani (Floriana), Maurizio Vella (Floriana), Ryan Fenech (Balzan), Samir Arab (Balzan), Enrico Pepe (Floriana), Clyde Borg (Floriana)

BOV Player of the Match: Carlos Eduardo De Fiori Mendes (Balzan)