Zejtun Corinthians earned another precious point as they held Balzan in a goalless draw. 

Balzan move fourth on 8 points, four behind leaders Hamrun while Zejtun stay two points behind on six.

In the match, which offered only some action in the first half, the goalless result was fair to all.

Both teams weren’t in their best of shape.

Balzan lacked the punch in front depending on the thrust of Weverton Gomes Souza, which however was very little in the picture.

 

In the first half both teams had their say however Balzan were more persistent after the break.

Paul Fenech played for Balzan in front of defence while Weverton Gomes Souza played in the front of their formation. Balzan’s play depended much around the skills of Steven Pisani whose ball control and the ability to beat his direct opponent was second to none.

Zejtun based on their counter attacks of Ricardo Faria, Dylan Agius and Fernando Jose Gomes with Kemar David Reid supporting them.

In the 13th minute, Steve Pisani served Suleiman Jalu but the latter’s low shot was saved well by Żejtun’s goalkeeper Christian Cassar.

In the 28th minute, Balzan could have taken the lead when a direct freekick taken Steven Pisani hit the upright and finished out.

In the 30th minute, Zejtun had their first chance when Kemar David Reid tried his luck but his effort that whizzed past the right upright.

In the 38th minute, Żejtun could have opened the score but Fernando Jose Gomes Jnr. failed to connect to the ball, following a good pass by Diego Albanese.

Zejtun kept pressing with their counter attacks but the goal still eluded them. Their best effort was a free-kick by Dylan Agius which was tipped over the bar by Sean Mintoff.

On the other side, Weverton Gomes Souza served Steven Pisani, but his effort finish high over the crossbar.

In the second half, the pace slowed down with most of the play held in midfield.

In the 77th minute, Zejtun replaced David Reid with Adrian Carabott for Reid but he presence made no impact.

Instead, in the 80th minute, Zejtun finished playing with 10 men when Marcelo Pereira Muniz was sent off for a second bookable offence for a handball.

In the 86th minute, Balzan tried their last card to increase their offensive chances by replacint Weverton Gomes Souza with Alfred Effiong.

In the last minutes of the game Balzan put everything in front while Zejtun decided to defend in their own half, happy in getting something from this game.

In the stoppage time, Balzan also finished with ten men as defender Moussa Kamara was sent off for a second booking after fouling Dylan Agius.

ZEJTUN : Christian Cassar, Diego Albanese, Lucas Gama Moreira, Dylan Agius, Kemar David Reid (Adrian Carabott 77′), Marcelo Pereira Muniz, Christian Grech, Fernando Jose Gomes Junior (Gianluca Bugeja 89′), Ricardo Silva Faria, Neil Tabone, Anderson De Barros.

BALZAN : Sean Mintoff, Augustine Loof, Samir Arab, Paul Fenech, Eric Lemond Mc Woods (Sean Cipriott 90+1′), Steve Pisani,Michael Johnson, Uros Ljubomirac, Suleiman Jalu, Weverton Souza Gomes (Alfred Effiong 86′), Moussa Kamara

Referee: Fyodor Zammit

BOV Player of the Match: Diego Albanese (Zejtun)