ST ANDREWS 0 

BALZAN 1 

Effiong 87

Balzan scored late to keep their slim European hopes alive after their narrow 1-0 win over St Andrews at the Hibs Stadium, on Saturday. 

The first 45 minutes remained locked in goalless stalemate with only two noteworthy actions created in a game that never sparked into life. 

St Andrews were playing their typical conservative and waiting game, expecting their opponents to err and catch them on the break. 

On the other hand, Balzan enjoyed the lions’ share of possession but they could break down the Saints’ backline - merit to the St Andrews defenders who blocked every passing channel and were individually holding their ground against their opponents. 

Balzan’s first attempt came on the 28th minute when Ricardo Correa sent a cross into the box on which Alfred Effiong connected but his header sailed over the bar. 

St Andrews’ only chance came on the 36th minute when Martin Davis sent an inviting low ball into the box but Kevyn Mcfarlane hit wide from close-range. 

Early in the second half, Balzan tried to break the deadlock through a Correa’s free-kick but the Saints managed to clear away the danger. 

Elkin Serrano came close to find a breakthrough but the Colombian defender failed to put the ball into the net for Balzan. 

Moments later, Micallef tried to curl the ball into the far post but he fled the ball wide. 

Balzan made their pressure count two minutes from time when from a Kadu free-kick, Effiong outjumped his marker and slotted the ball into the net with a towering header.

Martin Davis of St Andrews was named BOV Player of the Match.