BALZAN 0

GŻIRA UNITED 0

Balzan and Gżira cancelled each other out in a drab encounter, which only offered some action in the latter stages.

The Maroons’ greater volume of play in the opening period was countered by the Reds’ edge in persistency after change of ends. However, the play was slow and rather predictable and only towards the end, there were some ripples that had a confident Justin Haber saving the Gżira lines.

An early Balzan chance had Alfred Effiong heading a Uros Ljubomaric cross goalwards but his effort was tipped over the bar by Justin Haber.

Just past the half hour mark, Nikolai Muscat took a cross from the right, before trying a pot on at goal from the D. However, Sean Mintoff was on spot to parry the ball.

The pace slowed down even more after the change of ends with most of the exchanges being restricted to the midfield area.

Generally, Balzan looked a better bet to sneak away with a goal.

They lost a great chance with Ljubomirac missing with a close shot that skied high over the Gżira goal after 66 minutes.

Balzan remained the brisker side. Ricardo Correa, an enterprising figure on the right wing, saw his cross-cum-shot palmed away by Haber. Two minutes from time, the Urguayan winger sped into the box before  unleashing a shot that was charged down by the alert Gżira custodian.

Gżira United's Nikolai Muscat was named BOV Player of the Match.