Balzan join rivals Lija in semi-finals

Msida St Joseph 0
Balzan Youths 2

Balzan Youths followed neighbouring rivals Lija Athletic in booking a place in the semi finals of the Maltco Division One KO after beating an improved Msida side who suffered their fourth defeat in as many matches.

As Balzan finished second in group one, they will face Mqabba, the group two winners, in the semi-finals.

Although Balzan were the better side yesterday, their task was made easier when Msida were reduced to 10 men after Karl Saliba was sent off late in the first half.

From the outset, the Youths began to pile up the pressure on the Saints’ rearguard, taking the lead after 10 minutes. Wayward passing by Msida opened the way for Uchanna Anywanna who stole possession and finished his run with a strong shot from just inside the penalty area.

Balzan continued to dominate but they were finding it hard to break down the crowded Msida defence. The struggling Reds came close to an equaliser on 32 minutes.

Neil Curmi’s cross-cum-shot from a free-kick looked easy prey for the Balzan back-line as David Agius headed the ball back to goalkeeper Frederick Tabone but the latter lost his balance.

Much to Balzan’s relief, Tabone managed to get his hands to the ball that looked destined to hit the back of the net.

But, Msida suffered a hard blow when Saliba was sent off after receiving a second yellow card nine minutes from half-time. Msida, who opted for an ultra-defensive approach, had their work cut out as Balzan enjoyed more possession.

Four minutes before the break, Balzan’s Simon Mizzi missed a sitter after some good work by Anywanna.

Early in the second half, Msida goalkeeper Jeremy Alden made a good save from David Fenech’s drive.

Balzan had to wait until the 74th minute to put their minds at rest when substitute Matthew Sciortino poked the ball home from a Fenech cross.

Two minutes later, Anywanna was unlucky not to score his second of the afternoon when his strike ended just over the crossbar after the Nigerian had made another strong run.

Msida: J. Alden, K. Saliba, S. Phiram, A. Formosa, A. Grech (L. Cassar), A. Farrugia (D. Gatt), C. Cioffi (M. Marmara), J. D’Amato, N. Curmi, K. Caruana, L. Micallef.

Balzan: F. Tabone, C. Ciantar, J. Francica, D. Agius, R. Conceicao, B. Bondin (R. Forace), D. Fenech, D. Grima (S. Ciscaldi), S. Mizzi (M. Sciortino), U. Anywanna, S. Meilak.

Referee: Andre Arciola.

Group 1: Lija 10; Balzan 8; Mosta 5; Melita 4; Msida 0.