Balzan Youths 2
Mqabba 1

Balzan Youths are practically a Premier League side. Yesterday, the championship leaders beat close rivals Mqabba to open a 10-point lead ahead of their nearest rivals in the standings.

With five games to go and three teams promoted in May, it looks as if only a catastrophe will deny Balzan a place in the top flight next season.

As expected, this was a balanced match with both teams growing in stature in the second half. Balzan had the edge as they had the likes of Renato Conceicao and Pedro Calcado to rely on. As usual, both were a class above the rest.

Mqabba are still in the running for a place with the big boys but they will have to fight it out hard with the likes of Mosta and Melita.

There was little action of note in the first half with the initial stages devoid of attacking moves.

But on 21 minutes, Calcado hit the crossbar from a free-kick and a minute later the same Balzan player was again unlucky to see his effort going just wide. Mqabba woke up on 26 minutes and from a Wilson Caushi corner, Mazitelli’s back flick almost deceived the goalkeeper.

But Balzan were still the dominant force and five minutes before the break they deservedly took the lead. A Calcado corner landed at the feet of Conceicao at the far post, his ensuing shot giving Kris Calleja little chance to save.

Just before the break, Mqabba could have equalised though but John Paul Muscat shot badly from a good position.

Mqabba increased the tempo after the break and on 55 minutes a Caushi free-kick finished inside the side-netting before Branislav Timotic headed wide from a Caushi free-kick.

At the other end, Conceicao dribbled past two Mqabba defenders but Steve Meilak was slow to reach the pass. He was intercepted by the alert Calleja.

But, with 15 minutes to go Balzan made it 2-0 when Calcado volleyed home after some fine work by Uchanna Anywanna.

Mqabba were back in the match less than two minutes later to set up a frantic finale.

Tabone looked hesitant in his sortie and Muscat served Marlon Briffa who slotted the ball home.

Mqabba tried hard to save the match but Balzan held tight to preserve their narrow lead and chalk up their 10th victory from 13 outings.

Balzan: F. Tabone, C. Ciantar, J. Francica, C. Micallef, R. Forace, B. Bondin (D. Agius), D. Grima, R. Conceicao, P. Calcado, U. Anywanna (L. Micallef), S. Meilak (A. Agius).

Mqabba: K. Calleja, P. Grima, M. Bonnici (J. Shead), A. Scicluna, B. Timotic, M.A. Psaila (M. Briffa), T. Mazitelli, C. Calleja (D. Azzopardi),J.P. Muscat, W. Caushi, S. Magro.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Man of the match: Renato Conceicao (Balzan Youths).