Balzan dropped another two important points in their challenge for a place in the UEFA Europa League this summer after being held in a goalless draw by Mosta the Hibernians Stadium.

Jacques Scerri made his debut as Balzan coach. For this game, he had midfielder Paul Fenech and defender Elkin Orlando Serrano Valero missing through suspension.

Although Balzan dominated the proceedings they were rather erratic in front on goal missing clear cut chances which in the end proved costly. The match was played at a very slow tempo during the first half with both sides committing too many mistakes at the center of the pitch. On the other hand, Mosta defended well till the final whistle and they are to be commended for their tactical organization.

The first goalmouth action materialized in the 5^th minute when off a free kick taken by Carlos Eduardo De Fiori Mendes (Kadu) the ball came in Andrija Majdevac’s path but Mosta goalkeeper Andreas Vella came out to block in time.

During the first half, the play was restricted for long stretches in the midfield area. Balzan had to wait until the 42^nd minute to threaten again. Ivan Bozovic dribbled past a couple of defenders before serving Andrija Majdevac who was quick to pass the ball to Kadu. The latter squared the ball towards Alfred Effiong who in turn set Uros Ljubomirac who, however, with only goalkeeper Andreas Vella to beat, fired over from close in.

Balzan improved during the second half and managed to create a number of opportunities. They were unlucky not to go ahead in the 51^st minute. Kadu delivered the ball towards Andrija Majdevac who was unlucky to see his header stamping off the upright.

Kadu threatened Mosta again on the 71^st minute when tried his luck with a shot from the distance that sailed over.

Five minutes later Balzan had a double chance to break the deadlock. Kadu served Andrija Majdevac who from an ideal position saw his shot partially saved by Andreas Vella. The rebound fell to Lydon Micallef who, with only the Mosta goalkeeper to beat, saw his shot well saved by Vella.

Five minutes later, a Kadu’s shot from inside the penalty area sailed marginally wide.

On the 88^th minute, Uros Ljubomirac tried his luck from a free-kick, but his effort ended up high.

Mosta’s only chance of the second half was created during the additional time. Juri Cisotti’s long-range effort was neutralised by Sean Mintoff.

In the remaining minutes, Mosta controlled their opponents well to take home another vital point.

MOSTA : Andreas Vella, Gianluca Cuomo, Alex Darlington (Duane Bonnici 84′), Kyle Frendo (James Brincat 62′), Massim Sammartino, Dexter Xuereb, Rafael Morisco da Silva, Tyrone Farrugia, Federico Franchini (Zachary Brincat 87′), Akeem Roach, Juri Cisotti

BALZAN : Sean Mintoff, Aleksandar Kosoric, Nenad Sljivic, Steve Pisani, Steve Bezzina, Alfred Effiong (Lydon Micallef 66′), Uros Ljubomirac, Ivan Bozovic (Justin Grioli 76′), (Sean Cipriott 81′), Andrija Majdevac, Milos Lepovic.

Referee: Darryl Agius

BOV Player of the Match: Carlos Eduardo de Fiori Mendes (Kadu)