BALZAN-1, BIRKIRKARA-1

Birkirkara wrapped up third place in the final standings after figuring in a 1-1 draw against Balzan who finished fourth.

The Stripes were the better team for most of the game but needed a late Ryan Camenzuli equaliser to maintain their positive run of late after an unfortunate Cain Attard own goal had given Balzan an undeserved lead.

There were few scoring chances in the first half.

Birkirkara went close early on but Kurt Zammit's close-range effort was saved by Christian Cassar, the Balzan goalkeeper.

On 27 minutes, Balzan striker Alfred Effiong sprinted clear on the left before dashing into the box but his strike was off target.

Birkirkara were all over Balzan in the opening 20 minutes of the second half.

Vito Plut, running on to a long ball, sped into the box but his rising shot was saved by Cassar.

The Balzan goalkeeper was prominent again when pushing away a dangerous effort from Ryan Camenzuli, who had just replaced Kurt Zammit.

Balzan created a chance of their own when Pedrinho freed Aleksandar Vujacic, on for Effiong, but the Montenegrin striker's weak effort was stopped by Kopric.

The Croatian was unlucky to concede as Cain Attard committed an own goal, heading the ball onto his own net as Kopric came out to block.

Birkirkara refused to wilt. Plut was wide but, with nine minutes left, Camenzuli equalised with a firm shot.

Plut, the Birkirkara striker, was named BOV player of the match.