BALZAN 4 ZEBBUG RANGERS 2
Oliver Spiteri’s men came out on top in a topsy-turvy match to down newcomers Zebbug Rangers 4-2 in an enjoyable game.
The Rangers had a bright start, although the newcomers would not have expected to be handed the lead after just four minutes. Balzan newly-signed goalkeeper Christian Cassar came sliding out of his area to cut a long through ball by the Zebbug defence only to miss the ball allowing Britto a clear shot at goal.
In the 23rd minute, the Zebbug defence was clearly caught napping as Osa Guobadia’s ball put Piccioni through to beat Farrugia from close range.
The first half ended 1-1 but Balzan moved ahead five minutes into the second half. Lydon Micallef was played in by a ball from Guerrero that flicked off Piccioni’s heel and it landed at the feet of Micallef who poked home.
In their next significant foray into Balzan’s half, Zebbug levelled. Diaz from just outside his box passed to Britto who took one touch before arrowing his shot past Cassar.
Two minutes later, Ratko Mandic almost committed an own goal when he miscued his clearance from Piccioni’s effort but the defender was relieved to see the ball smacking against the bar.
There was no reprieve, however, as Balzan regained the lead 12 minutes later when Mifsud Triganza’s lofted pass into the box landed at the feet of Piccioni who hit a rising shot behind Farrugia.
Five minutes from time, Balzan secured the points when substitute Ryan Darmanin found Piccioni in the box who unleashed arising shot that crashed against the underside of the bar and dropped at the feet of Guerrero for the easiest of tap-ins.