Balzan were back to winning ways when they battled past Sliema Wanderers 2-1 at the Hibs Stadium.

Sliema started brightly and after three minutes Michael Mifsud picked Matteus on the edge of the area and the Brazilian quickly teed up Junior Obagbemiro who fired wide.

Balzan’s responded in style as three minutes later they took the lead. Mark Scerri fouled Edison Bilboa Zarate in the area with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Bojan Kaljevic took responsibility of the penalty and drilled the ball past Glenn Zammit.

The goal lifted Balzan who kept the upperhand and they went on to double their lead on 21 minutes when Lydon Micallef sped past his marker before hitting a low shot that gave no chance to Zammit.

On 28 minutes Zammit came to Sliema’s rescue when he showed great reflexes to keep out Micallef’s effort from routine distance.

Sliema were a transformed side on the restart and on 56 minutes they reopened the match when Djumo Bocar set up Scerri on the edge of the area and his curling drive flew into the net via the bar.

Six minutes from time, Scozzese was first to Pisanu’s corner-kick and he nodded the ball towards Gatt Baldacchino whose header was deflected just wide.

Sliema midfielder Mark Scerri was voted as the BOV Player of the match.