Balzan scored twice in the second half to beat Challenge League side Żurrieq and advance to the last 16 of the FA Trophy.

Balzan were in control of the game during the first having only a couple of scoring opportunities by Benjamin Hili, Marcus Grima and Jake Grech.

However they found Zurrieq defence a hard nut to crack and were held to a goalless stalemate till the end of first half.

Balzan broke the deadlock on the 52nd minute, when a player was fouled just outside the area. JAKE GRECH managed to find the back of the net from the direct free-kick.

In the 79th minute, MANYLUAK AGUEK doubled lead for Balzan after dribbling past a couple of defenders and beating goalkeeper Ryan Caruana.

However, in the 87th minute, Żurrieq managed to pull one back. Shawn Darmanin was floored in the area by Benjamin Hili and they were awarded a penalty. Francisco Ivan Souza Flora saw his shot from the spot saved by goalkeeper Rudy Briffa but did not hold the ball and from the rebound CHRISTOPHER MARIO BAKER reduced the result which was not enough to avoid the elimination.

Balzan: Rudy Briffa, Ivan Bozovic, Andre Prates (Samir Arab 72’), Marcus Grima (Paul Fenech 61’), Triston Caruana, Jake Grech (Manyluak Aguek 72’), Benjamin Hili, Aleksandar Katanic (Jake Grech 82’), Nikola Zerjal, Nikola Braunovic, Aleksa Andrejic (Oluwatobiloba Dimeji Awosanya 77’)

Żurrieq: Ryan Caruana, Glamour Eziefula Chibueza, Christopher Mario Baker, Francisco Ivan Souza, Anderson De Barros, Shaun Bugeja, Emerson Vella (Jack Kind 74’), Kalani Capponi Delarole, Xylon Portelli (Kurt Zammit 84’), Pedro Henrique Rodrigues Da Silva (James Vella 74’), Shawn Darmanin.

Referee: Darryl Agius