BALZAN-3, HAMRUN SPARTANS-2
Balzan came from two goals down to defeat Hamrun Spartans 3-2 and extend their unbeaten run to seven games this afternoon.
The Spartans looked set to return to winning ways when they moved 2-0 up inside the opening 21 minutes but, after pulling one back, Balzan took control in second half to complete their comeback with a last-gasp Malcolm Licari goal.
The win lifted Balzan one point clear of Tarxien Rainbows into sixth place, in the process increasing the pressure on the latter before their clash with Valletta.
The first chance of the game came after 10 minutes. It was Hamrun who went close to taking the lead when Adrian Ivanov advanced on the right before crossing for Daniel Zerafa whose close-range effort was blocked by Matthew Mendy, the Balzan right-back.
Two minutes later, Hamrun went ahead. Massimo Grima played a through-ball to Gianluca Calabretta who sped forward down the right before hitting an excellent lob that soared above the on-rushing Fredrick Tabone and into the net. Balzan threatened to score an immediate equaliser but Pedrinho's strong drive came off the crossbar.
After Angel Yoshev hit wide from Grima's free-kick, Hamrun doubled their lead on 21 minutes when Terence Vella, released by Grima, beat Tabone with a first-time shot.Two goals in arrears, Balzan needed a quick goal to reopen the issue. They didn't have to wait long to pull one back through Elton who scored from close range after Pedrinho's initial effort had been blocked by Andrea Cassar.Balzan came close to an equaliser nine minutes from half-time but Cassar pulled off a great save to push away Pedrinho's curling free-kick.
A minute into the second half, Balzan's hopes rose when they were awarded a penalty after Roderick Fenech was ruled to have brought down Renato Conceicao in the box. Pedrinho's lobbed effort from the penalty spot had the better of Cassar despite the Hamrun goalkeeper getting a hand on the ball.
Boosted by their two-goal comeback, Balzan stayed on top. They came close to moving in front when, 12 minutes into the second half, Pedrinho's free-kick was deflected into the path of Elton whose point-blank header was kept out by Cassar.
With 15 minutes left, Balzan's Elton hit a post. Cassar then saved a low shot by Conceicao as Balzan remained the better side. Malcolm Licari, who had come on for Jamie Pace, missed a good chance to put Balzan ahead as the former Marsaxlokk player got on the end of Pedrinho's through-ball but his low effort was kept out by Cassar.
Licari atoned for his miss as on the stroke of time, he rose at the far post to head Renie Forace's cross into the net.In time added-on, Hamrun missed a great chance to equalise when Yoshev's volley from Luke Grech's corner was neutralised by Fredrick Tabone, the Balzan goalkeeper.
Balzan striker Elton was named BOV player of the match.