Balzan registered their tenth win by beating St Andrews with a solitary goal scored by Alfred Effiong.

For this game Balzan had to do without Ivan Bozovic and Aleksander Kosoric both suspended, while Carlos Eduardo de Fiori Mendes (Kadu) was welcomed back on the bench after long injury and was utilised in the last 15 minutes.

St Andrews won the first round match against Balzan by two goals to nil.

In this drab encounter, play was restricted for long stretches in the midfield area. St Andrews played a conservative and waiting game, expecting the Balzan players to make a mistake and catch them on the break. On the other hand Balzan enjoyed more possession but their attackers could not find the space to manoeuvre – merit to the St Andrews defenders who blocked every passing channel and were individually holding their ground against their opponents

St Andrew’s had the first chance after a few minutes play through a Joseph Farrugia free kick which ended wide.

In the 28^th minute Balzan had their first chance to goal. Alfred Effiong met cross from the right flank but his header just missed the target.

In the 35^th minute St Andrews missed an good chance to  open the score when Martin Davis sent a cross towards Kevin McFarlane but, from a good position, he made the possible impossible and fired over the bar.

The second half was played on the same pattern but Balzan increased their effort.

In the 70^th minute Ricardo Correa saw his effort partially saved by goalkeeper Calleja Cremona and as he retook the rebound his shot finished wide.

In the 76^th minute Balzan went near once again when off a free kick taken by substitute Kadu, another substitute Lydon Micallef headed over the bar.

Ten minutes from the end of the match Ricardo Correa dribbled his way into the area and his effort was turned onto a corner by goalkeeper Calleja Cremona.

Finally in the 87th minute Balzan scored what proved to be the winner. A free kick taken by Kadu found ALFRED EFFIONG who out-jumped his opponent and headed past Calleja Cremona.

ANDREWS: Matthew Calleja Cremona, Alex Satariano (Matthew Woo Ling 78′), Kevyn Mcfarlane, Ricardo Martin (Aidan Jake Friggieri 88′), Travis Blagrove, Kemar Reid, Joseph Farrugia, Kurt Magro, Jacob Walker (Dejan Debono 68′), Martin Davis, Luke Sciberras. 

BALZAN : Sean Mintoff, Justin Grioli, Nenad Sljivic, Steve Pisani, Steve Bezzina (Carlos Eduardo de Fiori Mendes 75′), Paul Fenech, Alfred Effiong (Sean Cipriott 90′), Uros Ljubomirac, Elkin Serrano Valero, Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte, Andrija Majdevac (Lydon Micallef 58′).

Referee: Alan Mario Sant

BOV Player of the Match: Martin Davis