Balzan boosted their hopes of a late push for a Championship Pool berth when they managed to see off Floriana 2-1 at the Tedesco Stadium.

Balzan were in control right from the outset and they took the lead on 26 minutes. From a Pedrinho corner-kick, Steve Bezzina directed a firm header which was cleared away by Joseph Borg but assistant referee Ingmar Spiteri deemed that the ball had passed the goalline and awarded the goal.

The Reds doubled their lead six minutes from the break when he was first to Bezzina’s cross to easily stab the ball past Hanford.

On the restart, Floriana coach Ian Dawes withdrew Diogo and roped in new Brazilian defender Rodrigo Aguiar as he switched to a 3-5-2 formation. That change in style seemed to leave the desired dividends as Floriana pulled a goal back on 59 minutes.

From a Gary Muir corner-kick, Ibok Edet was first to the ball and directed a firm header past Manuel Bartolo, the Balzan goalkeeper. Floriana here pushed more men forward but Balzan somehow managed to hold on to their lead to score a crucial victory in their bid for a top-six finish.

Balzan defender Steve Bezzina was voted as the BOV Player of the match.

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