Ten-man Balzan dent Senglea's hopes

Balzan Youths 0
Senglea Athletic 0

Senglea Athletic's promotion aspirations receded yesterday after a goalless draw against a 10-man Balzan side at the Centenary Stadium.

It was a disappointing result for Senglea who needed the three points to further reduce the gap on Division One leaders Mqabba.

Despite playing for almost the entire match with a man more following the dismissal of Balzan goalkeeper Ranier Farrugia after only three minutes of play, Senglea failed to break down their opponents' resistance. They remain second in the table three points adrift of Mqabba and two ahead of third-placed Hamrun Spartans and St George's.

Balzan should be commended for their gallant performance which has boosted their salvation hopes. The point gained yesterday took them alongside third-from-bottom San Gwann on the 14-point mark.

The opening 45 minutes lacked spark and goalmouth action with both teams more intent on keeping things tight at the back rather than looking for a breakthrough.

Balzan endured a difficult start as they were reduced to ten men only three minutes from the start of the game. Kenneth Abela sent Timothy Thomas clear with a fine through-pass but in a desperate attempt to block the young Senglea forward, Balzan keeper Farrugia handled the ball outside the penalty area.

Referee Kevin Azzopardi had no other option but to show the red card to Farrugia, forcing Balzan coach Joe Borg to make his first substitution. He roped in reserve goalkeeper Brian Bonello in lieu of Simon Mizzi.

After Farrugia's sending-off, one expected Senglea to increase their attacking efforts as they looked to strengthen their promotion bid. However, the Yellow-Reds failed to profit from their numerical advantage as Balzan held firm with some solid defending.

Senglea only managed to threaten the Balzan goal on one occasion before the end of the first half. A defensive melee inside the Balzan penalty area was pounced on by Leonid McKay whose first-time effort finished over the crossbar.

In the opening stages of the second half, Senglea showed signs of improvement as they began to venture forward with more purpose.

In the 53rd minute, Abela received a pass inside the Balzan area before freeing McKay whose grounder was blocked by Bonello.

Ten minutes later, the Cottonera side created another chance when Alexander Farrugia hit just over from an inviting position. In the 69th minute, Edon Bobolayefa headed wide from a Farrugia free-kick.

Balzan responded two minutes later. Jerryton Agius curled in a free-kick that was well saved by George Attard.

Senglea grew more urgent as the second half progressed and on 74 minutes Darren Grech's cross found Abela who headed just over. Two minutes from time, Senglea were again close when McKay's volley was well saved by Bonello.

Balzan could have stolen the points four minutes into injury time when Stefan Farrugia rifled a long-range effort that skimmed the crossbar with goalkeeper Attard beaten.

Balzan: R. Farrugia, J. Agius, P. Grima, D. Gera, B. Pace, S. Mizzi (B. Bonello), S. Cappitta, R. Grech (S. Farrugia), A. Camilleri, M. Sciortino, R. Caruana (K. Curmi).

Senglea: G. Attard, D. Grech, G. Magri (G. Bonello), S. Aquilina, T. Thomas, R. Spiteri, D. Aquilina, L. McKay, A. Farrugia, E. Bobolayefa, K. Abela.

Referee: Kevin Azzopardi.