PIETA` HOTSPURS 2

Grech 11, Frances 44

BALZAN 1

Arab 9

A week after earning a famous victory over Valletta, Balzan fell at their first hurdle against lowly Pieta`.

Balzan made the brighter start and inside the first four minutes, Guerrero curled a corner inside the box, Elkin Serrano Valero rose above friend and foe but his header was punched away by Miguel Montfort.

Spiteri’s troops moved in front thanks to a gem of a goal after nine minutes. Zarate Bilbao was the provider, his delivery from free-kick reaching Samir Arab who struck with a swerving shot from the narrowest of angles.

The Hotspurs were back on level terms within the space of two minutes. Rafael whipped a swerving free-kick from the right, Balzan custodian Christian Cassar flapped at the ball and Christian Grech was on hand to score.

Micallef’s direct running and dribbling were focal for Balzan soon after the change of ends, his team now relying on swift fast-breaks as they laboured to counteract Pietà's pace.

Shy the hour mark, Zarate Bilbao ran unimpeded towards the Pietà' box before squaring for the unmarked Darmanin who hit a fierce shot but his drive was well saved by Montfort.

Five minutes later, Balzan thought they had gain an equaliser when Mifsud Triganza swivelled inside the box before crossing for Guerrero who struck the ball on the turn but much to his frustration, his drive was smothered by Montfort on the woodwork.

As the minutes ticked away, Pieta` threatened to punish the Balzan’s flat-out approach with some devastating counter-attacks. A minute from time, Frances embarked on mazy run but his curly shot was kept out by Cassar.