Two quickfire goals enabled Balzan to come from behind and beat Gżira United 2-1. A win that puts Balzan back on track following two consecutive defeats led to the resignation of coach Mark Miller.
Although Mark Miller has just been replaced by Paul Zammit, for this game, Balzan’s team was led by coaches Alejandro Pantoja and Luis Garcia Gutierrez.
Balzan had two changes from the team which lost to Floriana as Gary Camilleri and the suspended Augustine Loof were replaced by Michael Johnson and Uros Ljubomirac both recovering from an injury. Gżira, on the other hand, welcomed Maxuell Maia back in their starting line-up.
During the first half, most of the play was in midfield with Balzan having the best chances but failing to open the score. In the 7th minute, Balzan had the first attempt to goal when Uros Ljubomirac served Bojan Kaljevic but he hit high from an ideal position
. In the 37th minute, Balzan had a really good opportunity to forge ahead. Following an erratic pass by defender Luke Tabone, Bojan Kaljevic came face to face with goalkeeper Anthony Curmi but incredibly be hit wide.
In the second half, Gzira came out better and in the 48th minute, they missed a good opportunity when off a cross by Thiago Espindola, Steve Pisani hit high.
In the 56th minute, Yuri Messias concluded a good run with a shot which was deflected into a corner by a defender. However, in the 59th minute, Gżira took the lead when from a corner from the right taken by Steve Pisani delivered, NEVIN PORTELLI headed the ball home.
In the 65th minute, substitute Milan Duric saw his attempt finish over the crossbar.
Balzan reacted immediately and in the 67th minute, they managed to equalize. Following a corner from the right by Milos Mijic the ball bounced onto Nevin Portelli and ended at the back of the net for an own goal.
Balzan insisted and hardly a minute later, they notched the winner. Uros Ljubomirac had a shot from outside the area partially saved by goalkeeper Anthony Curmi and off the rebound, substitute ALEKSA ANDREJIC was in the right place to finish the ball into the back of the net.
In the 89th minute, Milan Duric had another attempt which finished just wide.
Two minutes in added time Gżira could have restored equilibrium but Yuri Messias’s effort from the left was cleared on the goal line by Michael Johnson.
GZIRA U: Anthony Curmi, G. Bohrer-6, Luke Tabone, Nikolai Muscat, Steven Pisani (Clive Gauci 72’), Yuri Messias Martin Davis (Emmanuel Mbong 80’), Nevin Portelli, Maxwell Maia, Thiago Espindola, Jackson Mendoza.
BALZAN: Jake Galea, Samir Arab (Gary Camilleri 13’), Marcus Grima, Paul Fenech (Milan Djuric 62’), Alex Da Paixao Alves (Neil Frendo 90’), Michael Johnson, Uuos Ljubomirac, Milos Zlatkovic, Milos Mijic (Suleiman Jalu 90’), Bojan Kaljevic (Aleksa Andrejic 62’), Sean Cipriott.
Referee: Alex Johnson
BOV Player of the Match: Uros Ljubomirac.