Balzan Youths bounced back from behind to beat Lija Athletic 3-1 in a highly interesting derby.

Balzan, who had Ivan Zammit in the heart of the defence, fell a goal behind after only three minutes play, but rallied back to obtain a deserved victory.

For Lija this was the second consecutive defeat after their heavy drubbing by Mosta seven days ago.

This derby between rivals Lija and Balzan got off to a flying start as Lija took the lead on three minutes. Adzanovic passed towards Antoine Sacco, whose shot was partially saved by Tabone and from the rebound Beppe Antignolo slotted the ball home.

Balzan made an immediate reaction and a Dylan Grima header went slightly wide. Balzan continued to pile the pressure on the Lija rearguard, but the Lija defence withstood this pressure.

On 39 minutes striker Anywanna had a good attempt saved by goalkeeper Bonnici, but two minutes later the Lija goalkeeper had no answer to Dylan Grima’s low angled shot that finished in the corner of the net.

Balzan continued to dominate the last minutes and Rennie Forace missed a good opportunity when he blasted high from an ideal position.

On the resumption, Lija had a Potezica header missing the target but Balzan took the l;ead on 50 minutes when Dylan Grima shot home after a good Balzan move.

The game was now bubbling and Lija were dealt a severe blow when defender Antonio Saliba was off when he floored Steve Meilak. Balzan pushed forward and Dylan Grima missed his hat trick after some good work by Anywanna.

Nine minutes from time Dylan Grima passed towards Anywanna who beat Bonnici for Balzan’s third and final goal.

Balzan could have added further goals in the final minutes but Lija goalkeeper Bonnici avoided a much heavier defeat.