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Balzan hit back to hand Valletta first defeat

Published: 25-09-2017 11:20
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VALLETTA 1BALZAN     2Balzan attained a much-needed win after edging out fellow title hopefuls Valletta 2-1 in an entertaining match at the National Stadium on Sunday.  While Balzan returned to winning ways after a run of three matches without victory, Valletta suffered their first defeat this season. The Citizens, who were missing Michael Mifsud, had a great start, taking the lead after just five minutes. Ibrahim Saleh’s strong drive was pushed away by Balzan goalkeeper Ivan Janjusevic but the ball dropped Santiago Malano whose low shot rolled past a host of players and into the net. Balzan, who were without two key players in Paul Fenech and Bojan Kaljevic, equalised midway into the first half. Alfred Effiong’s through-ball saw Alex De Paixao Alves sprint into the box before drilling his shot past the diving Henry Bonello. The first half ended 1-1 but Balzan scored what proved to be the winning goal 10 minutes into the second period. Paixao was again instrumental as he sped into the box from the left but his effort was partially saved by Bonello. The loose ball dropped close to the six-yard box and Uros Ljubomirac was on hand to fire home. Balzan held on to their slender lead to secure only their second win in five matches. De Paixao Alves was named BOV player of the match. ST ANDREWS 2GŻIRA UNITED 3 Gżira United maintained their excellent start to the season after beating St Andrews 3-2 for their fifth win in as many matches. It was the Saints who opened the scoring after 14 minutes through Aiden Friggieri who hit a lot show past Anthony Curmi after receiving from Ricardo Martin. Gżira equalised on 32 minutes. Amadou Samb ran clear after dispossessing Matthew Tabone before releasing Samba Tounkara who deposited the ball into the net. Six minutes into second half, man-of-the-match Tounkara put Gżira 2-01 ahead after a good move by Andrew Cohen. The Maroons made it 3-1 on 56 minutes, Samb converting a penalty after he was brought down by Matthew Gauci inside the box. The Saints got back into the match when Sem Kamana tripped Kevaughn Atkinson inside the box and Joseph Farrugia made no mistake from the spot.