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Balzan stay top, Hibs and Valletta keep the pace

Published: 23-01-2017 11:30
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Another action-packed BOV Premier League weekend saw Balzan hold on to top spot in the standings after a hard-earned 1-0 win over St Andrews at the National Stadium on Saturday.  Bruno Giglio de Oliveira’s stunning free-kick in the first half handed Balzan three important points which kept them clear of their title rivals.Balzan’s win had temporarily moved them four points ahead of second-placed Hibernians but the latter narrowed the gap to one point after a 3-0 victory over Gżira United at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Sunday.Gambian striker Momodou Salieu Jallow hit a brace and Brazilian forward Jorginho scored the other goal for Hibernians who have 40 points.Valletta bounced back from their FA Trophy elimination with a 1-0 victory over Birkirkara in an important championship encounter at the National Stadium on Saturday.A tight and intense game between these two title rivals was decided by Santiago Malano’s 27th-minute strike.With 19 games played, the reigning champions are third in the standings on 36 points, five behind leaders Balzan and four adrift of Hibernians.Sliema Wanderers were back to winning ways after having the better of Old Firm rivals Floriana 3-1 at the Hibernians Stadium on Sunday.An own goal from Alex Cini on 25 minutes and Jean Paul Farrugia’s strike 10 minutes into the second half gave Sliema Wanderers a 2-0 lead.Mario Fontanella converted a penalty just past the hour mark to narrow the deficit for Floriana but their hopes were dashed when, with 15 minutes remaining, defender Enzo Ruiz was sent off for bringing down Farrugia in the box.Denni Rocha dos Santos beat goalkeeper Justin Haber from the spot to seal Sliema’s win, their first in five games.Brandon Paiber marked his league debut with a goal as Ħamrun Spartans overcame Mosta 3-0.Jake Grech fired the Spartans ahead with a deflected shot midway into the first half and Paiber, the son of former Argentine player Cesar who played for Ħamrun in the past, doubled their advantage eight minutes from half-time.Mosta had David Fenech sent off 14 minutes from the end and, in added time, Jake Grech notched his second of the game with a well-struck chip.This win lifted Ħamrun Spartans on the 26-point mark, one behind Sliema Wanderers and Tarxien Rainbows who registered the biggest win of the weekend after beating Pembroke Athleta 7-1.Daniel Ponce, Alex Nilsson and Alex Alves struck a brace each for the Rainbows with the other goal coming from Daniel Frances.Pembroke’s consolation goal was scored by Daniane Jawad.