BALZAN            1

Alves 90

HIBERNIANS   0

Alex Alves scored an injury-time winner as Balzan edged Hibernians to go three points clear at the top of the Premier League standings.

The match turned out to be a draft affair with the only two scoring chances coming in the first half.

On 35 minutes Hibs midfielder Dunstan Vella slalomed past two defenders before picking up Johann Bezzina who fired wide.

Balzan’s response arrived a minute from the break when Cadu showed great pace to move past his marker but his thumping drive flew just wide.

Ten minutes into the second half, Kaljevic avoided his marker but his fierce drive flashed past the upright.

Four minutes later, Cadu saw his inswinger finish just wide.

On 68 minutes, Balzan coach Marko Micovic looked to bring in fresh energy when he withdrew Uros Ljubomirac and roped in Alves.

Twenty-one minutes from time, Failla surged forward on the left and sent a dangerous cross towards Jorge Elias but the Brazilian striker faied to make contact with the ball with only Janjusevic to beat.

When it looked as though the match would end in a goalless draw, Balzan grabbed the winner in stoppage time.

Kaljevic fed Alves on the edge of the area and the Brazilian moved past a defender before sliding the ball past the onrushing Hogg.

BOV Player of the match: Jackson Lima (Hibernians).