BALZAN-1 FLORIANA-0
Bojan Kaljevic marked his long-awaited comeback from a 10-month lay-off with a goal as Balzan beat Floriana 1-0 to maintain their title challenge going into the third and final round.
The score was 0-0 when Kaljevic, on as a substitute on 70 minutes, scored the winner that gave Balzaen a deserved win over a battling but dull Floriana side.
A balanced first half saw both teams create a couple of scoring chances.
Balzan's Pedrinho went close with a long-range free-kick that bounced past the post after 13 minutes.
Ivan Janjusevic, the Balzan goalkeeper made a good save on 23 minutes, getting down quickly to keep ourt Mario Fontanella's half-volley.
There was a scare for Floriana when Alfred Effiong beat the offside trap to run into the box but the Nigerian hesitated as Emanuel Briffa tracked back and Matthew Calleja Cremona, the Floriana goalkeeper, rushed out to avoid further danger.
Fontanella then moved past Justin Grioli before setting up Matteo Piciollo whose curling shot was beaten away by Janjusevic.
Balzan also had a great chance when Da Silva Souza's free-kick, from the right, dropped to Vujacic in the six-yard box but the Montenegrin's effort was deflected away for a corner.
Calleja Cremona then dropped Grioli's free-kick but Effiong's wayward shot was cleared.
As referee Mario Apap whistled the end of the first half, the two sets of players nearly came to the blows following an off-the-ball incident between Balzan defender Elkin Serrano and Villa.
It was Balzan who made the better start to the second half.
Midfielder Paul Fenech went close with a well-hit drive that was marginally off target.
Floriana also threatened on 54 minutes. Chiesa directed an inviting pass towards Villa who controlled before aiming a rising effort that glanced off a defender as the ball finished over the bar.
Vujacic wasted a great chance to put Balzan ahead as Balzan's Montenegrin striker could only send the ball wide of the far post after getting on the end of inviting Pedrinho's cross from the right.
Balzan gained control but Effiong was denied by Calleja Cremona who also saved Pedrinho's free-kick.
Midway into the second half, Vujacic was guilty of another miss as he drove his effort across the face of goal after connecting with Pedrinho's cross.
With 20 minutes remaining, Vujacic made way for Bojan Kaljevic who was making his first appearance this season after a long lay-off due to ankle surgery.
Kaljevic made an instant impact as, 12 minutes from time, he sent a strong header into the net from Effiong's cross.
Balzan might have scored again in stoppage time but Fenech, who was teed up by Pedrinho, was thwarted by Calleja Cremona.
Effiong, the Balzan forward, was named BOV player of the match.