SLIEMA WANDERERS 0 BALZAN 0

Sliema Wanderers and Balzan fought out a goalless stalemate yesterday afternoon.

The Wanderers created enough chances to win the game hands down but had to settle for a point after failing to convert any of their opportunities.

Sliema set the early pace. The Blues fashioned their first chance after 12 minutes. Trevor Cilia’s corner eluded the Balzan defence as the ball fell invitingly to the foraging Potezica who headed tamely into the hands of Steve Sultana.

Past the half hour, Cilia made a good run through the middle before unleashing a curling effort that went just high off the right post.

As the first half wore on, the frequency of scoring chances decreased but the exchanges remained combative. Just before half-time, Mifsud Triganza set off a dazzling through the middle channel, leaving a posse of players in his wake as he drifted into the box before dragging his shot just wide off the far post.

The Blues tried to raise their game in the second half but their efforts seldom troubled Balzan.

But when Balzan broke on the counter just shy the hour, Sliema looked vulnerable at the back as Piccioni played in Guerrero whose shot was blocked by Glenn Zammit.

Sliema soon reclaimed the initiative. A quick move unlocked the Balzan defence as Pisanu moved the ball forward before exchanging passes with Mark Scerri and the latter went close with a swerving shot that flew over the bar.

In 73rd minute, Sliema’s attacking qualities lit up the stadium. Andrea Scozzese released Mifsud with exquisite chip before the nippy striker’s shot on the turn cannoned off the crossbar. The ball landed in the path of Kassa Gnabouyou whose shot was blocked by Sultana.

Balzan quickly transferred the ball to Piccioni who looked odds-on to break the deadlock but Glenn Zammit was equal to the task and blocked his effort.