Balzan Y 1

Mqabba 3

Mqabba went on top of Division one with a hard earned win over Balzan. The match had an exciting finale with a goal disallowed for Balzan and with Mqabba sealing the issue with a third goal.

Balzan in dire needs of points had Mark Marlow in their ranks and goalkeeper Brian Bonello between their posts. On their part Mqabba needing a win to go to the top of the table, had Justin Tellus in their ranks making his first appearance.

The match had a rather slow start, but the match came to life with two quick goals in the space of sixty seconds. On twelve minutes Mqabba forged ahead when Mark Anthony Psaila headed beautifully in a corner from the right by Justin Felice.

Mqabba’s joy was however shortlived as Balzan immediately equalised. Gilbert Scerri’s cross from the right was deflected by an Mqabba defender with the ball coming to the onrushing Jerryton Agius who scored from close range. Agius was injured in the process and had to be substituted.

After this goal the match continued to be a balanced affair with Mqabba showing the better ideas but Balzan were a determined lot. On 29 minutes from a Marlow cross, Grech headed slightly wide and near the end Mqabba had two scoring chances with an Anywanna shot and a Psaila header missing the target.

The turning point of the match came half way through the second half when the Balzan goalkeeper was sent off for unsportin behaviour when he spat at an opponent. Balzan had to make some tactical changes with the inclusion of Cappitta at the back. On 77 minutes Mqabba took the lead when Justin Tellus headed in from close range to mark his debut.

Balzan tried to get the equaliser but were never really dangerous in front of Calleja. Their best chance came on 92 minurtes when they won an indirect free-kick inside the area. Mark Marlow shot home, but the goal was disallowed as Marlow shot directly at goal.

When the protests were subdued and play resumed, Mqabba scored the third goal with a quick counter break with Anywanna scoring from close range. Just before the final whistle, Mqabba were reduced to ten players when Martin Borg was given the marching orders for dissent.

Other result:

Gozo FC-Senglea A 1-2