Emil Raducu, of Balzan, tries to dispossess Luxol’s Florin Anton during their 5-5 draw at Corradino. Photo: Joe Borg

Luxol and Balzan shared the spoils in an entertaining 5-5 draw at the Corradino Pavilion as the former maintained their unbeaten record in this season’s FXDD Premier Division.

Balzan opened a 5-1 advantage and Luxol looked to be heading for a defeat but they fought back admi-rably to preserve their one-point lead at the top of the standings.

Balzan broke the deadlock early on when Romanian international Emil Raducu blasted past Adrian Attard.

Luxol reacted immediately to restore parity through Ibrahim Tarik after he stole the ball from a Balzan player.

But Balzan were not lying back and Raducu made it 2-1 after a fine solo move.

In the second half, Balzan began well and found the net again through player-coach Gabriel Dobre who placed into the net after picking up a loose ball.

In the space of 30 seconds Dobre and Raducu scored again to make it 5-1 with Luxol’s rearguard completely shattered.

The spectators expected Luxol to wilt under the pressure but they suddenly came to life and reduced the arrears with goals from William Barbosa and George Frendo.

In the closing stages, Luxol scored again when former Qormi player Frendo dribbled past Matthew Xerxen to deposit the ball home and make it 5-4.

Now Luxol were pressing forward and it was no surprise that they equalised when Florin Anton’s shot passed through several legs and finished into the net.

Balzan and Luxol continued their positive trend in their next outings as they defeated Żabbar (5-3) and Żurrieq (20-1) respectively.

In the First Division, Valletta chalked up their eighth consecutive victory after seeing off leaders Qrendi 4-3.

This was a thrilling match with the Citizens dictating matters for most of the time and Qrendi making a late reaction in their bid to save the match.

Alexander Fenech, Clayton Felice, Dassier Borg and Charlton Scicluna put their name on the scoresheet for Valletta.

Antonello Brincat scored a brace and Alan Spiteri got the other goal for Qrendi who still lead the table on 35 points, five ahead of Valletta.

Standings

Premier Division: Luxol 38; Hibs, Balzan 37; Pembroke 27; Ħamrun, San Ġwann, Żabbar 24; Qormi 22; Melita 13; Mosta 12; Vittoriosa; Żurrieq 10; Birżebbuġa, Luqa 7; Swieqi 4.

First Division: Qrendi 35; Valletta 30; Żebbuġ 28; Gżira 27; Naxxar 25; Fgura, Kalkara 22; Msida, Marsascala 19; Sirens 17; Mqabba 11; Sta Luċija 8; Siġġiewi 6.