QORMI 0; BALZAN 1

Balzan had to wait 90 minutes before breaking down the resilient Qormi rearguard who never gave away an inch to be denied by Aleksandar Vujacic’s aerial prowess.

The Nigerian-born striker, yesterday tasked again with providing flair in Balzan’s forward line, did was expected of him, when with seven minutes gone, he made a good run down the right but his shot was blocked by Andreas Vella, the Qormi goalkeeper.

Prudence was again the order of the day for Qormi as they seemed content to sit back and weather the pressure. After 20 minutes, Godwin Mensha unleashed a stinging shot from outside the penalty area which Cassar managed to repel with a reflex save as the Premier leaders continued to dictate matters.

The physical challenge posed by Qormi forward Alexander Nilsson to flit into dangerous positions and outmuscle opponents kept their Balzan’s rearguard on their toes.

Mensha used again his pace and skills to run at the Qormi defenders. The Nigerian striker’s progression unnerved Qormi but his shot finished wide off the far post.

Four minutes from half-time, Jesmond Zerafa was forced into his first substitution when Kurt Magro was unable to continue. He was replaced by former Rabat Ajax midfielder Sorin Oproiescu who immediately used his skills to run through the Balzan defence but with just the keeper to beat he took too long with his shot and was crowded out.

Balzan were now showing signs of revival after the break as they worked up a head of steam with Aleksandar Vujacic stepping up his game.

At this point, Spiteri introduced Ryan Darmanin in attack instead of Effiong as they started to push bodies beyond the half way line in a bid to create more goalmouth action.

And a goalmouth scramble ensued soon after but Noah Ojula threw himself across to close down Lydon Micallef, who came in for Samir Arab.

With the game seemed heading for a goalless draw, Balzan struck the winner. Man of the match Mensha was the provider with a well-taken cross from the right as Vujacic threw himself on the ball to head home.