Balzan scored a goal in each half to have the better of Tarxien Rainbows and set up a semi-final showdown against Birkirkara.
After a rather miserable season Balzan finished in the 6th position of the Premier League, missing the qualification to play in the Europa League. In the two matches played against Tarxien during this campaign Balzan emerged winners on both occasion by a 3-1 and 2-0 score. The only possible way left to make it to the Europa league is by winning the FA Trophy.
Balzan had an easy way to make it into the quarter finals of the FA Trophy after defeating Qrendi 5-1 and Xewkija Tigers 6-1. On the other hand Tarxien eliminated two First Division sides, Vittoriosa Stars 3-0 and Zebbug Rangers 5-0.
It was a merited win for Balzan though this match never reached any high standards.
Balzan were the first team to venture forward and in their first attempt in 17th minute Uros Ljubomirac shot wide.
In the 26th minute, Alfred Effiong back-heeled the ball into the path of Andrija Majdevac who turned past his marker but failed to control well, hitting into the side-netting from a close angle.
Balzan took the lead just before the half time mark. Paul Fenech sent a fine through ball towards ALFRED EFFIONG and after a good solo run he found the net by lobbing the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Cassar.
On the restart Tarxien tried to mount a reaction but found it tough to crack the stubborn Balzan rear-guard.
In the 53rd minute, Andrija Majdevac made his way into the area but his curling shot was too central to trouble goalkeeper Andrea Cassar.
Four minutes later, Ivan Bozovic outpaced his marker inside the area and sent a low cross towards the unmarked Andrija Majdevac but Anderson de Barros was well positioned to anticipate him.
In the 62nd minute, Tarxien went near for the first time when a corner taken by Jacson De Paixao caused some havoc in the Balzan but goalkeeper Sean Mintoff somehow turned it away.
A minute later Balzan launched a quick counter attack initiated by Uros Ljubomirac, with Alfred Effiong setting RICARDO CALIXTO CORREA DUARTE with the latter placed the ball into an empty net after rounding goalkeeper Cassar.
Balzan had control of the game till the end and in the 70th Andrija Majdevac found Aleksandar Kosoric but his shot was blocked by Daniel Zerafa, with goalkeeper Cassar beaten.
Fifteen minutes from the end Balzan could have increased their lead but Ricardo Correa saw his fierce shot end inches wide.
In added time Andrija Majdevac could have his name amongst the scorers but was unlucky when from close range his shot hit the upright and finished out.
TARXIEN : Andreas Cassar, Jens Wemmer, Juan Cruz Gill, Daniel Zerafa (Luke Grech 80′), Gabriel Aquilina, Andrew Agius (Alex Nilsson 59′), Siraj Arab Eddin, Anderson de Barros, Matthew Tabone (Michele Paolucci 75′), Ricardo Silva Faria, Jacson de Paixao.
BALZAN : Sean Mintoff, Aleksandar Kosoric, Nenad Sljivic, Steve Pisani, Steve Bezzina, Paul Fenech, Alfred Effiong (Sean Cipriott 71′), Uros Ljubomirac (Dale Camilleri 65′), Ivan Bozovic, Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte (Lydon Micallef 88′), Andrija Majdevac.
Referee : Fyodor Zammit