MOSTA-1, BALZAN-0

Bojan Kaljevic scored the only goal of the game as Mosta returned to winning ways after beating Balzan 1-0 in today's opening game. With this win, Mosta have extended their unbeaten start to the season while Balzan concede their first defeat in five matches.

Mosta were the better side with Montenegrin striker Bojan Kaljevic leading from the front. Kaljevic headed over from Kurt Magro's cross while Balzan almost opened the scoring in their first serious attack.

Edison Bilbao Zarate crossed for Oscar Guerrero whose half-volley was deflected away for a corner. Steve Sultana, the Balzan goalkeeper, saved Kaljevic's header from Daniel Mariano Bueno's cross but, on 28 minutes, the Mosta striker hit the target after being served by his Brazilian team-mate.

Balzan came close to an equaliser when Lydon Micallef, cutting in from the right, picked out Ryan Darmanin but the latter blasted over from a good position. In first-half stoppage time, Mosta were incensed as referee Philip Farrugia turned down their claims for a penalty after Kaljevic appeared to have been pushed by Justin Grioli inside the box.

Mosta again felt hard done by the referee who opted to caution Elkin Serrano after the Balzan defender had nudged Kaljevic off the ball as the latter was through. From the free-kick, Kaljevic's drive came off the crossbar.

At the other end, Guerrero's dipping cross-shot from a free-kick landed wide of the far post. When Kaljevic beat the offside and ran through impeded, a second goal looked in the offing but the towering forward's rushed shot was off target.

The game opened up. Balzan were awarded a penalty after Adrian Borg handled Grioli's shot but Guerrero's spotkick was saved by Bernal. Mosta were quick to get the ball to the other end but Bueno fired wide from inside the box. Mifsud Triganza almost gave Balzan a much-needed lifeline but his free-kick flew just over the bar.

Ten minutes from the end, Guerrero forced his way into the box but his close-range effort was pushed away by Bernal. As the end of the game approached, Balzan rallied.

Bezzina was close with a fine half-volley that sailed past the far post while Serrano was denied by Bernal following Zarate's cross. In stoppage time, Osa Goubadia dragged the ball back for Bezzina who hit just wide from outside the box.

Kaljevic was named BOV player of the match.