Mosta 1
Micallef 45;
Balzan 3
Effiong 26, 59, 85;

What looked like a potentially tricky fixture for Balzan, it unfolded in a show of force as the Reds laid down an early marker in the title race when they eased past Mosta to go top of the Premier League standings, level with champions Hibernians.

Renowned for their attacking potential, Balzan took full advantage of their opponents’ flat-out approach in the second half with Alfred Effiong taking centre-stage after serving up a hat-trick to leave Mosta dazed.

Mosta’s line-up showed only one change from the 1-1 draw with Birkirkara, Dyson Falzon starting ahead of Saviour Fidelis.

Clive Brincat and Luke Sciberras were handed first-team roles for Balzan at the expense of Terence Agius and Samir Arab. Brincat was one of three central defenders deployed by Spiteri alongside Maxim Focsa and Elkin Serrano, with Justin Grioli and Dylan Grima operating as wing-backs.

Mosta’s tactical approach was very similar to that of their opponents as Ice-Cream Guobadia partnered Tyrone Farrugia in the heart of defence with Falzon starting at left back but detailed to offer support in a central position when Manolito Micallef pushes forward on the right flank.

The early exchanges were bereft of constructive football as the two sides struggled to find their passing range.

Balzan enjoyed a distinct edge possession-wise but their efforts were undone by the ineffectiveness of their final ball.

On 17 minutes, Edison Bilboa Zarate floated an intelligent pass towards Godwin Mensha but the striker could only get a faint touch to the ball as he tried to shoot.

Valerio Senatore made his first intervention a few moments later when he dived low to stop a shot by Ian Zammit.

With the physical aspect taking precedence over the technical side of the Mosta game, Ivan Zammit’s side failed to pose problems to Balzan as the latter remained in command.

Lydon Micallef squandered a good opportunity when he flicked the ball wide after controlling Grioli’s ball from a deep position.

Mosta’s reprieve was temporary as Balzan took the lead shy the half hour mark after a fluid move which saw Zarate supply the final pass into the box before Effiong hit a low drive past Yenz Cini, the Mosta goalkeeper.

Yet, on the stroke of half-time, Mosta equalised when Micallef surprised Senatore with a looping cross-shot that flew into the top corner of the net.

On 52 minutes, Cini did well to fist away Grioli’s free-kick.

Mosta responded with Sciberras giving away possession just outside the box but Bobby Fredrick’s cross was blocked by Grioli.

It was anyone’s game now with both sides pressing forward in search of the decisive goal.

It was Aleksandar Vujacic who made the first decisive impact on the game when, with virtually his first kick of the ball, he released Zarate who set up Effiong before firing low past Cini.

The skilful Frederick was posing problems for Balzan on the left flank and in one instance the Nigerian slalomed his way past Grima but his attempted finish flew into the hands of Senatore.

At the other end, the physical challenge posed by the towering Vujacic complicated matters for Mosta. After 76 minutes, Effiong threatened to put the result beyond Mosta with a header but Cini saved.

From the ensuing corner, Farrugia came to Mosta’s rescue when stopping Mensha’s goalbound effort.

Mosta pushed hard in search for an equaliser.

But there was no end to the drama, as with five minutes left, Effiong completed his hat-trick.

Mensha released the Malta striker who hammered low past Cini.

Mosta finished the match with ten men when Falzon received his marching orders following a heavy tackle on Sciberras.

Mosta
Y. Cini-6, T. Farrugia-6, E. Murga-5, D. Falzon-, I. Guobadia-6, H. Yau-6.5, S. Chukwide-6 (78S. Fidelis), M. Micallef-6, R. Grech-5 (46 B. Abdel-6), I. Zammit-5 (80 J. Brincat), R. Ekani-6.

Balzan
V. Senatore-6, D. Grima-5, L. Micallef-6 (60 T. Agius-5), E. Zarate-7, L. Sciberras-5.5, M. Focsa-6, G. Mensha-6.5, A. Effiong-8, E. Serrano-6.5, C. Brincat-5.5 (57 A. Vujacic-6), J. Grioli-7.

Yellow cards: Yau, Murga.

Referee: Andre’ Arciola.

Red card: Falzon (M) 90.

BOV player of the match: Alfred Effiong (Balzan).

Attendance: 611.