Balzan Youths make it two wins out of two

Balzan extended their winning start to two matches after beating Melita 2-1 yesterday. Photo: Ray Attard

Balzan Youths 2
Melita 1

Despite playing the last 30 minutes with 10 men, Balzan Youths still managed to beat Melita by the odd goal in three and join Mosta and Vittoriosa at the top of Division One with maximum points from two matches.

Balzan practically secured their victory in the opening seven minutes when they scored two quickfire goals which jolted the young Melita side. The Reds struggled to regain their composure after those early setbacks.

The Amateurs' inexperience was evident in the final stages of the match as they failed to profit from their numerical advantage.

Balzan went ahead inside the opening two minutes when Renie Forace floated a cross into the Melita area, Aaron Agius headed the ball towards Simon Shead who tapped home from close range.

Melita's troubles increased after seven minutes when Agius forced his way past his marker before firing the ball home from just inside the area.

Balzan could have made it 3-0 three minutes later when Forace fed Peter Anizoba whose shot grazed the crossbar. From the rebound, Agius fired wide.

Martin Gregory's team began to play better after the interval. Nine minutes into the second half, Melita pulled one back, Luke Micallef coolly slotting the ball home from just inside the box after receiving from Luke Fenech.

On the hour, Balzan made a tactical change when veteran player-coach David Carabott replaced Anizoba in face of Melita's growing pressure.

Two minutes later, Balzan were reduced to ten men when Agius was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, both for simulation.

Despite having a man more on the pitch, Melita failed to trouble Balzan who controlled the proceedings to gain their second win from two matches.

Balzan Youths: F. Tabone, D. Agius, D. Fenech, J. Francica, I. Zammit, S. Aquilina, R. Forace, M. Sciortino (G. Tanti), S. Shead (T. Thomas), A. Agius, P. Anizoba (D. Carabott).

Melita: M. Sapiano, D. Gravino, G. Gribbon, M. Martin J. Galea, N. Rizzo (S. Galea), K. Micallef, L. Fenech, L. Micallef, I. Bilocca (L. Sammut), M. Mamo (N. Zammit).

Referee: Glenn Tonna.

Man of the match: Matthew Sciortino (Balzan).