BALZAN-1, SLIEMA-WANDERERS-0

Lydon Micallef scored the decisive goal as Balzan got back to winning ways after edging Sliema Wanderers 1-0.

Sliema, on a high after their bold performance in the 2-2 draw against Hibernians, started well but Pedrinho's dismissal late in the first half, left them facing an uphill struggle.

The Blues battled on but Micallef's fine strike early in the second half handed the points to Balzan who leapfrogged Valletta at the top.

A balanced first half saw both teams create a number of scoring chances but they failed to break the deadlock.

Sliema's Aidan Friggieri had a shot blocked by Balzan goalkeeper Christian Cassar and, at the other end, Steve Bezzina passed to Aleksandar Vujacic whose close-range flick was kept out by Glenn Zammit, the Sliema goalkeeper.

The Blues had the ball in the net after seven minutes as Pedrinho scored from the rebound but the 'goal' was ruled out for a penalty-box infringement.

Balzan also thought they had scored when Alfred Effiong, who was released by Vujacic, rifled past Zammit but the Malta striker was offside. Just before half-time, Sliema suffered an unexpected blow as Brazilian forward Pedrinho was dismissed for raising his arm at Balzan Luke Sciberras as the two chased possession.

Friggieri could have handed Sliema a welcome boost but his drive was blocked Elkin Serrano Valero, the Balzan defender.

Balzan opened the scoring six minutes into the second half. It was Lydon Micallef who made the telling contribution as the Balzan striker swept past a host of Sliema players before hitting a low shot past Zammit from inside the box.

In a rare Sliema attack, Gary Muir guided the ball towards Mifsud but the latter's tame effort was easily stopped by Cassar. The two changed roles 20 minutes from time as Mifsud's pass freed Muir but the Scottish wing-back fired wide.
Despite their numerical advantage, Balzan failed to dominate and the battling Sliema had a couple of chances late on.

Muir was high with a free-kick and, in stoppage time, his cross, from a left-wing free-kick, was met by substitute Marko Potezica but his header was blocked.
Micallef, the scorer of Balzan's winner, was voted BOV player of the match.