BALZAN-2, HIBERNIANS-1

Balzan reclaimed top spot after edging Hibernians 2-1 in a top-of-the-table clash.

A lively match looked to have swung Hibs' way when Alfred Effiong was dismissed 20 minutes into the second half but Balzan showed great resilience to keep their goal intact before hitting a late winner that took them one point clear of their opponents.

Balzan and Hibernians showed their intent to attack from the off.

The game was less than five minutes old when Matteo Piciollo put Balzan ahead with a close-range strike after exchanging passes with Bojan Kaljevic.

Hibs equalised two minutes later. Johann Bezzina made headway in the box before passing to Jorginho who hammered home.

The exchanges remained balanced.

Paul Fenech delivered a fine cross towards Effiong who controlled the ball but out came Hogg to repel the danger.

Hibs were also dangerous going forward.

Midway into the first half, Jurgen Degabriele's fine cross from the left saw Joseph Mbong anticipate his marker but his header was wide.

A grounder from Bezzina was marginally wide while Jackson Lima hit a post with a long-range free-kick.

On the stroke of half-time, Nafti released Piciollo but the latter's drive was deflected away for  corner.

Balzan suffered a setback 20 minutes into the second half when Effiong was shown a straight red card for hitting Marcelo Dias during a corner action.

Despite their numerical hanicap, it was Balzan, now playing 4-4-1,  who threatened to score. Striding clear on the right, Nafti floated a dangerous cross towards the far post but Paul Fenech's half-volley glanced off Kaljevic.

Dias, now a more enterprising figure on the right wing, sent in a teasing cross but Jorginho headed over.

Very much against expectations, Balzan surged ahead two minutes from time. Nafti's cross from the right was headed goalwards by Kaljevic with the ball coming off Lima as it rolled past Hogg.

Bezzina, the Hibs midfielder, was named BOV player of the match.