BALZAN-2, QORMI-1
Balzan came from a goal down to topple Qormi by the odd goal in three in the first BOV Premier League match after the Christmas break.
Pedrinho's last-gasp goal, from a free-kick, handed Balzan their first win after their consecutive defeats as Qormi were made to pay for missing a hatful of open chances in the first half.
Jonathan Bondin had a shot saved by Daniel Miguelez Martinez, Balzan's Spanish goalkeeper, in the early stages.
After Balzan forward Elton hit wide from outside the box, Qormi took the lead on seven minutes thanks to Abubakar Bello-Osagie who cut in from the left before driving his shot past Martinez.
Balzan looked shell-shocked. Pedrinho had a cross-shot, from a free-kick, pushed away by Matthew Farrugia, the Qormi goalkeeper, fisted the ball away.
It was Qormi who continued to create the better chances but Bello-Osagie missed two glorious opportunities. The Nigerian first hit wide with only Martinez to beat and, moments later, the Spanish goalkeeper denied Bello-Osagie who had powered his way into the box.
Three minutes past the half-hour, Balzan's Christian Caruana managed to run into the Qormi box but his effort was blocked by Kris Thackray.
Qormi came close to doubling their lead 13 minutes into the second half but Edison Zarate's screamer from outside the box cannoned off the crossbar.
Five minutes later, Balzan equalised. They were awarded a penalty after Dylan Grima was upended by Joseph Chetcuti inside the box. Elton made no mistake from the spot.
Balzan threatened to go ahead when Steve Wellman's clearance came off Elton whose intervention sent the ball swirling towards goal but Farrugia saved.
With 16 minutes remaining, Zarate released Chetcuti but the latter's lob was partially saved by Martinez before Stefan Giglio cleared the danger.
Giglio was at it again moments later when putting his body in the way of Bello-Osagie's shot.
Three minutes from time, Balzan thought they had scored the winner when Pedrinho's free-kick was headed in by Yessous Camilleri but the latter was offside.
Qormi's reprieve was temporary as Pedrinho beat Farrugia from a free-kick to give Balzan a 2-1 win.
Bello-Osagie was named BOV player of the match.