BALZAN           2

Kaljevic 50, 90 pen

GŻIRA UNITED       1

Okoye 53

Bojan Kaljevic scored a stoppage time penalty to hand leaders Gżira United their first defeat of the season at the expense of Balzan.

Balzan were off to a fast start and on 15 minutes Uros Ljubomirac sped clear on the right and chipped the ball into the path of Kaljevic who saw his effort coming off the bar before the Maroons defence cleared.

At the other end, Andrew Cohen tried his luck from the distance but his firm drive was well pushed away by Ivan Janjusevic, the Balzan goalkeeper.

The match remained a lively affair and on 25 minutes Ljubomirac hit a firm drive but the ball just missed the upright.

Gżira came close on 49 minutes when Briffa let fly a powerful drive that was just touched by Janjusevic with the ball coming off the upright before Balzan cleared.

However, it was Balzan who took the lead a minute later.

Cadu released Effiong inside the area and the Malta striker picked Kaljevic with a low cross and the Montenegrin stabbed the ball into the net.

But Balzan’s joy was shortlived as Gżira took just three minutes to restore equilibrium.

Briffa sped into the area and picked Okoye who headed firmly past Janjusevic.

Fifteen minutes from time, Gżira were reduced to ten men when Diamoutene, who had already been shown a yellow card, floored the goal-bound Kaljevic outside the area and referee Philip Farrugia booked him for a second time and sent him for an early shower.

Balzan stepped up the pressure and their efforts were rewarded in stoppage time.

They were awarded a penalty when Karl Pulo handled the ball inside the area and from the spot Kaljevic made no mistake to the delight of the Balzan fans.