QORMI-1, BALZAN-2
Balzan came back from a goal down to beat Qormi 2-1 and gain their first victory of the season.
Elton scored a brace for Balzan who made the most of the chances that came their way. Not so can be said of Qormi who missed some excellent opportunities and were denied on several occasions by Balzan goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri who also saved a first-half penalty.
Qormi threatened to go ahead after four minutes when Gaetan Spiteri released Leighton Grech who flicked wide from inside the box.
Balzan also had an early chance but Elton's grounder was blocked by Steve Sultana, the Qormi goalkeeper.
Eight minutes into the game, Qormi were awarded a penalty when Balzan defender Yessous Camilleri was penalised for a handling infringement. Vincenzo Pisani's drive from the spot was blocked by Matthew Camilleri who also saved Grech's follow-on effort.
Balzan's resistance was broken on 14 minutes when Abubakar Bello-Osagie stormed into the box and drilled a low shot past Camilleri.
Midway into the first half, Balzan should have equalised but Conceicao headed over from Pedrinho's corner. The Reds missed another great chance when Dylan Grima blasted over after receiving from Elton.
At the other end, Qormi were again denied by Camilleri. Matthew Mendy's headed clearance from Matthew Bartolo's free-kick dropped to Spiteri who produced a first-time volley that was pushed away for a corner by Camilleri.
Early in the second half, Spiteri ran clear on the right but fired wide of the far post. Pisani was thwarted by Camilleri as Qormi started the second period in lively mode.
Qormi continued to create chances. Grech's shot was partially cleared by Balzan but the loose ball fell to Bello-Osagie who dallied his way through only for Camilleri to block his effort with his feet.
Balzan hit back to level the score. Martin Deanov broke on the counter before releasing Elton who flicked home from close range.
With 13 minutes left, Balzan received another boost when they were awarded a penalty after Pedrinho was brought down by Matthew Gauci. Elton drove his penalty shot past Sultana for his second goal of the game.
Qormi were now forced to chase the game. Their late pressure produced two good chances but Kris Thackray's volley was palmed away by Camilleri and, moments later, the English defender hit over after receiving from Roderick Sammut.
Elton was named BOV player of the match.