QORMI-5, BALZAN-2

Qormi extended their winning run to four consecutive games after beating Balzan 5-2 in a meaningless match as both teams are safe from relegation.

Qormi raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening 13 minutes. They were awarded a penalty after eight minutes when Stefan Giglio tripped Alfred Effiong in the box. Moises Avila Perez converted the penalty.

Five minutes later, Qormi went 2-0 up thanks to a rising shot by Edison Bilbao Zarate.

Qormi remained in control for much of the first half but, on the stroke of half-time, Balzan pulled one back when Aaron Agius's cross-shot from a corner had the better of Matthew Farrugia, the Qormi goalkeeper.

After Balzan goalkeeper Frederick Tabone beat away an attempt by Zarate, Qormi regained the lead seven minutes into the second half as Kris Thackray's free-kick rolled into the net after taking a deflection.

With 18 minutes remaining, the woodwork denied Qormi a fourth goal as Avila Perez's swerving effort came off the far post. Effiong headed over from the rebound.

Qormi made it 4-1 12 minutes from time when Bjorn Bondin turned the ball into his own net as he tried to head away Avila Perez's free-kick.

Five minutes from time, Ryan Darmanin reduced the arrears for Balzan with a close-range finish from Jacob Borg's pass.

Deep into stoppage time, Qormi restored their three-goal advantage. Avila Perez converted his second penalty after the Spanish forward was brought down by Andrew Cassar in the box.

Avila Perez was chosen BOV player of the match.

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