Balzan secured mathematical certainty of playing Premier League football for another season after having the better of bottom-placed Melita 2-1 this afternoon.

The Reds took the ground running and took the lead after only 16 minutes when Firas Aboulezz hit a spectacular drive from outside the area that gave no chance to Balzan goalkeeper Guillermo Gabilondo Garcia.

Melita’s response failed to arrive as the Amateurs looked short of ideas with Balzan goalkeeper Daniel Martinez rarely tested.

The Amateurs stepped up their game on the restart but it was Balzan who struck a second goal when on 70minutes Ryan Darmanin dispossessed Valdo Alhino and beat Gabilondo Garcia from close in. Here one thought that the match was over as a contest but Melita had other ideas as six minutes later Julian Galea sent a teasing cross and substitute Antoine Attard headed home.

Balzan were stunned and Melita had the chance to draw level four minutes from time when Jacob Borg blocked George Gribbon’s cross with his arm with referee Esther Farrugia pointing to the spot.

From the ensuing penalty Julian Galea saw his shot blocked by Martinez as Balzan held on to a precious win while Melita inched closer to relegation.