Balzan-Rabat 0-3

The first period was well fought out in the midfield sector with Ives Bilocca and Anthony Lagana going close early on for Balzan.

Rabat opened the score on 22 minutes through Adam Smeir from a well-placed direct free-kick and immediately at the other end Balzan were denied by Azzopardi off an attempt by Aaron Agius.

Balzan increased the pressure with Antoine Sacco heading just wide and then an attempt by Jerryton Agius was blocked by a Rabat defender just outside the goal line.

Rabat replied through Keith Micallef lob which was stopped by a Balzan defender as Balzan then missed an easy goal scoring opportunity through Kurt Coleiro who hit just wide infront of goal.

The second period remained balanced and in the 58th minute Kurt Coleiro went very close following good work by Gilbert Scerri.

Then a low crosshot by Ives Bilocca was saved by Azzopardi with Rabat increasing their lead on 65 minutes through another excellent free-kick by Adam Smeir.

Balzan’s immediate reaction produced other dangerous attempts by David Agius and Beppe Pace, the latter being sent off in the 77th minute for a late tackle on Paolo Ciantar.

In the closing stages Rabat hit the post through Alan Zahra but in added time they added a third goal through substitute Paolo Ciantar. At the end of the final whistle Rabat celebrated their return to 1st Division football after four years.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.