St Andrew’s 0
Balzan Youths 3
Balzan consolidated their place at the top of the standings with a merited victory over St Andrew’s.
The scoreline amply reflects the difference there was between these two teams. The Saints fought bravely but crumbled after Balzan scored their opening goal.
Surely, this was a totally different outcome to the corresponding first-round fixture when St Andrew’s held Balzan to a one-all draw.
After a quiet start, the first action of note came on 21 minutes with the Youths in attack. However, Steven Meilak was found wanting in front of goal following a Pedro Calcado free-kick.
Seven minutes later, Saints keeper Filippo Carandente did well to stop an inswinging Calcado effort from a corner which looked destined to reach the net.
Balzan’s pressure paid off on 38 minutes but they needed a slice of luck to open the scoring. Meilak dashed inside the Saints box and fired goalwards, his shot taking a deflection as it rolled past the stranded Carandente.
The Saints were unable to lift their game after the break. On 53 minutes, Lydon Micallef was free with only Carandente to beat but the keeper rushed out of his goal to block. From the rebound, Meilak’s shot caused panic inside the Saints’ box but the ball was finally booted upfield.
Balzan doubled their lead on 56 minutes thanks to Renato Conceicao. He won possession in midfield, exchanged passes with Meilak before hitting home past Carandente.
The Saints were dead and buried at this stage and Balzan added to their opponents’ woes when Calcado was put through by Micallef to hit home with ease.
St Andrew’s did find some gaps in the Balzan defence after Calcado’s goal and Nicky Vella Petroni should have done better when in a good position in front of keeper Tabone.
However, this was not the Saints’ day and late on they were dealt another blow when defender Ronnie Hartvig was sent off for a second booking.
Balzan also had to continue with ten men eight minutes from time as the match ended on a negative note for David Fenech. He suffered a bad injury and was rushed to hospital for further treatment. Balzan had already utilised their three substitutions.
St Andrew’s: F. Carandente, R. Bugeja, R. Hartvig, A. Camilleri Kamski, N. Chetcuti, D. McAvoy (F. Alnakua), M. Valenzia, J. Briscoe White (K. Coleiro), A. Amato, N. Vella Petroni, M. Onuorah (M. Grima).
Balzan: F. Tabone, C. Micallef, J. Francica, S. Pace, R. Forace (M. Sciortino), R. Conceicao, P. Calcado, D. Grima, D. Fenech, L. Micallef (U. Anywanna), S. Meilak (D. Agius).
Referee: Glenn Tonna.
Man of the match: Pedro Calcado (Balzan Youths).