San Gwann 0
Balzan Y 1
Balzan obtained a double over San Gwann to put the relegation issue wide open, involving the same San Gwann and Naxxar in the relegation battle.
Balzan, under the guidance of new coach Joe Borg following the departure of Jimmy Briffa last week, had defender Beppe Pace making his debut. Balzan were better than their opponents and the precious victory was a deserved one.
The match had a very slow start but sprang to life after ten minutes when Penza headed high following a good Decesare run on the right flank. On 15 minutes Balzan took the lead with a well taken goal. Marlow floated a perfect freekick for Jerryton Agius who controlled in style before beating Bartolo with a hard drive.
San Gwann had a great chance after the resumption of play but Penza shot over the bar with the Balzan defence completely off guard. On 18 minutes Balzan missed a sitter through Alistair Camilleri who failed to connect in front of goal following a good Jerryton Agius move.
Three minutes later San Gwann went close to the equaliser but Wilfred Spiteri headed high a good cross by Zammit Fava. However Balzan had two golden opportunities to double the score through Caruana and Alistair Camilleri but on both occasions, San Gwann goalkeeper Manwel Bartolo saved certain goals.
Balzan continued to play better and Alistair Camilleri shot slightly wide. On 37 minutes San Gwann were unlucky when a Loughborough header hit the cross bar with Farrugia beaten.
San Gwann increased the pressure in the second half with the introduction of Achukwu, but they failed to impress up front. Their best chance came to veteran Mark Psaila whose shot was blocked by Farrugia. On 75 minutes San Gwann had another good chance when from a Decesare cross, Achukwu headed wide.
San Gwann stormed forward in the dying minutes, even hitting the crossbar following a melee in front of goal. Balzan had to defend for long stretches to gain the three precious points, as they in turn hit the crossbar through Camilleri in the dying seconds.
Gozo 1
Hamrun S. 0
Gozo obtained their first victory of the season as they beat promotion chasers Hamrun Spartans 2-1 at the Gozo Stadium yesterday.
Their winning goal was scored by John Camilleri