Balzan were relieved after beating Gudja 2-0 earning the three precious points which enabled them to move to a safer place in the table.

In the first half action was restricted mostly to midfield. Balzan were a bit superior, as they created most of the few opportunities with Gudja defending most of the time. They deserved to go to the dressing rooms leading by a single goal.

In the second half, Gudja improved considerably as they went on the offensive in search of an equaliser but Balzan defended well.

 

Kampjonat Premier: Balzan F.C. 2-0 Gudja United FC

Kampjonat Premier: Balzan F.C. 2-0 Gudja United FC

Posted by L-ARGUMENT on Sunday, February 23, 2020

 

 

In the 6th minute, Gudja missed a good opportunity to open the score, when Renold Winchester exchanged the ball with Edison Bilbao Zarate in the Balzan area with the latter crossing the ball but unmarked Miguel Jimenez, in an ideal position, failed to connect.

In the 17th minute, following a free-kick taken by Justin Grioli, Luke Montebello almost committed an own goal, but his backward header was turned into corner with difficulty by goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski.

Balzan had their first attempt in the 20th minute. Steve Pisani tried his luck but his weak shot was easily saved easily by goalkeeper Glenn Zammit.

In the 28th minute, following a cross by Ivan Bozovic, the ball was cleared by the defenders but the ball fell to unmarked Paul Fenech who, however, shot well over the bar.

In the 38th minute Balzan protested in vain for a penalty when Alfred Effiong dribbled past a couple of defenders and was floored in the area but the referee waved play on, ignoring the protests.

However a minute after Balzan took the lead. Alfred Effiong set RICARDO CORREA DUARTE in the Gudja area who made no mistake and finished home as goalkeeper Glenn Zammit came out of his place to block.

At the other end, Gudja missed a good opportunity to equalise when following a bad defensive clearance, Jurgen Farrugia completely miskicked his effort with the ball finishing near the corner flag.

In the 44th minute, Gudja goalkeeper Glenn Zammit had to dive sideways to save a grounder by Alfred Effiong.

In the second half Gudja came out searching for an equaliser. Renold Winchester sped on a solo run which ended with his final shot finishing just wide.

In the 73rd minute, Llyewlyn Cremona saw his fine rising shot hitting the upright, with the goalkeeper beaten, while the rebound fell into the path of Renold Winchester who fired the ball into an empty net. But the goal was disallowed by the referee for an offside position.

In the 84th minute Gudja suffered a set back when Imanol Gonzalez was sent off for a second caution. Despite being with a man less, they threatened seriously to equalise when Renold Winchester advanced unhindered in the Balzan area, but his effort was miraculously blocked by the onrushing Kristijan Naumovski.

In the 87th minute, Balzan sealed the issue and assured themselves of the three points when STEVEN PISANI received a good pass from Stefan Dimic and hit home a fine shot from the edge of the area.

GUDJA U : Glenn Zammit, Jurgen Farrugia (Aiden Jake Friggieri 61′), Jonathan Bondin, Edison Bilbao Zarate (Gabriel Mensah 46′), Rundell Winchester, Llywelyn Cremona, Anderson de Barros, Miguel Jimenez, Juan Andres Bolanos, Justin Grioli, Imanol Gonzalez Benac.

BALZAN :Kristijan Naumovski, Augustine Loof, Dale Camilleri, Nenad Sljivic (Steve Bezzina 89′), Paul Fenech, Alfred Effiong, Ivan Bozovic, Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte (Stefan Dimic 70′), Samir Arab, Luke Montebello (Adesei Shinobu Adeyoka 62′), Steve Pisani.

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann

BOV Player of the Match: Ivan Bozovic