Balzan led by assistant coach Alejandro Pantoja following the departure of Paul Zammit, managed to take the lead but at death, Valletta leveled matters to take the point they needed to secure their status in the Premier League.

This draw was a disappointment to Balzan as they were hoping for a win to help them in avoiding relegation. Balzan now faces an anxious finale to the campaign as they remain second-from-bottom, two points behind Sta Lucia who will be facing Mosta.

In the first half, Balzan looked nervous in every department, particularly up front. In the second half, they came out better with an edge in possession and a higher work rate and even managed to take the lead.  However, Valletta refused to concede defeat and at the last minute, their reaction earned them the equaliser needed to secure the point they needed.

In the 11th minute, goalkeeper Jake Galea had to leave the pitch injured following a clash with David Promise and had to be replaced by Rudy Briffa.

In the 24th minute, Balzan came very close to breaking the deadlock when Sean Cipriott served Paul Fenech who flicked the ball onto the post.

At the half-hour mark, Andrea Zammit put David Promise through who unleashed a powerful shot which was saved by substitute goalkeeper Rudy Briffa.

In the 33rd minute, an effort by Milos Zlatkovic missed the target by inches.

Following a goalless first half, in the 55th minute, Alessandro Guarrone saved with difficulty over an attempt by Uros Ljubomirac.

In the 75th minute, Balzan took the lead when UROS LJUBOMIRAC, served on the right by Marcus Grima, dribbled his way into the box and managed to beat goalkeeper Alessandro Guarnone from an acute angle.

Balzan remained on top with Valletta forced to pull more men into attacking positions.

In the 85th minute, Balzan thought that they doubled the score when, following a pass from Uros Ljubomirac, substitute Bojan Kaljevic hit the ball home. However, the officials adjudged him to be in an offside position.

To the disappointment of the Balzan clan, in the 90th minute, MARIO FONTANELLA profited from a mishap in the Balzan defense, from close range, finished the ball home the equaliser for Valletta.

BALZAN: Jake Galea (Rudy Briffa 11’), Augustine Loof, Marcus Grima, Milan Duric, Paul Fenech (Neil Frendo 87’), Nikola Gulan, Uros Ljubomirac, Milos Zlatkovic, Milos Mijic (Bojan Kaljevic 65’), Aaleks Andrejic, Sean Cipriott.

VALLETTA: Alessandro Guarnone, Jean Borg (Shaun Dimech 48’), Christian Gauci, Andrea Zammit (Haris Dilaver 79’), Emmy Pena Beltre, Emmanuel David Promise Oluwatobi, Rowen Muscat, Eslit Sala, Caio Prado, Mario Fontanella, Kevin Tulimieri (Sheldon Mackay 73’).

Referee: Stefan Pace.

BOV player of the match: Uros Ljubomirac (Balzan)