BALZAN 3
Mifsud Triganza 2, Piccioni 17 pen, Guobadia 86
FLORIANA 2
Bonnici 42, Galea 90
Balzan stole an early march on rivals Floriana to bag full points and consolidated their grip on the fourth place in the standings.
Balzan’s resolve to take maximum points was in evidence when they took the lead after just two minutes. Justin Grioli was the architect when he combined speed and power to outrun Emanuel Briffa on the right flank before sending in a cross towards the far post where Tyrone Gauci, the Floriana goalkeeper flapped at the ball as he tried to anticipate Micallef, only to pushed it straight into the path of Mifsud Triganza, who buried the ball behind the goalkeeper.
Grioli’s runs on the right were a constant threat for the Greens. It was the former Valletta flank player who started the move which led Piccioni to hit a rising shot over the bar inside the first 10 minutes.
Seven minutes later, Balzan extended their lead. Floriana midfielder Clyde Borg was adjudged to have blocked Steve Bezzina’s corner with his hands and from the ensuing penalty, Piccioni drilled the ball into the net.
Shy the half hour mark, Bezzina’s surge into the box was halted by the sliding Samb, prompting referee Sandro Spiteri to expel the striker and order a second penalty for Balzan. This time, Osa Guobadia assumed responsibility for the penalty but his tame shot was touched away by Gauci.
From a possible 3-0, Floriana reduced the deficit and made it 2-1. Steve Pisani swung a curling cross from corner which sailed towards the unmarked Steve Bonnici with the defender beating Steve Sultana with a downward header towards the right corner.
After their promising start, Balzan faded badly with their striking trio showing little understanding between them. Yet, they had a glorious chance to restore their two-goal advantage as, three minutes into the second half, but Piccioni’s rising shot was blocked by Gauci.
Floriana’s confused efforts were easily withheld by Balzan as the Greens’ pressure petered out, Spiteri introduced Darmanin. The towering striker almost made an immediate impact on game but his header was warded off by Gauci. From the ensuing corner, Guobadia resolved a goalmouth melee by heading home.
Floriana pulled one back at death. Plut hit the ball hard towards goal but Sultana denied him with a brave save but the loose ball rolled into the path of substitute Giovanni Galea, brought in for Emanuel Briffa, who scored from point blank at his second attempt.