BALZAN 2
Kaljevic 42, Ljubomirac 58
NAXXAR LIONS 0

Balzan got off to the perfect start thanks to two goals either side of half-time. The crucial first goal came just before the change of ends.

A Ryan Fenech corner was headed by Bruno Giglio in the direction of Bojan Kaljevic and the Balzan striker let fly with a volley which flew past the Naxxar goalkeeper Omar Borg.

Yet after establishing that lead, Balzan’s finishing was at times poor and they gave the impression of a team content to play out the match in second gear.

Even so, Dennis Fenech’s team was second-class in all departments and Balzan goalkeeper Ivan Janusevic was spectator for large chunks of the match.

On 58 minutes, Paul Fenech thundering down the left wing, cut it back for Effiong, who showed great skills to lift a cheeky lob over Borg but the ball finished against the foot of the post.

However, Uros Ljubomirac pounced on the loose ball, confidently sweeping the ball to Borg’s right. Balzan finished stronger and saw a late free-kick from Kaljevic hit the crossbar.

SLIEMA 2
Aquilina 36’, Mintoff 39’
SENGLEA 2
Palmieri 26’, Garcia 53’

Newly-promoted Senglea Athletic started their Premier League campaign on a positive note after holding Sliema Wanderers in 2-2 draw.

Against the run of play, Senglea took the lead on the 26th minute when off an Ivan Paz corner from the right, Nicola Palmieri headed hard past Sarao.

Sliema levelled matters on the 36th minute thanks to Gabriel Aquilina who received a cross from the right by and controlled before slotting the ball past Timmy Aquilina.

Three minutes later, the Wanderers forged ahead when off an inviting cross by Ricardo Correa from the left, John Mintoff placed the ball at the back of the net from close range.

However Senglea equalised on the 53rd minute thanks to Matias Garzia who concluded a solo effort on the left by hitting the ball past the Sliema custodian.