Balzan scored two second half goals to inflict the first defeat of the season on high flying Mqabba in a balanced match yesterday afternoon.

The best of the match came in the second forty five minutes when Balzan took an early lead and they controlled the match with relative ease before scoring the second goal which killed off Mqabba’s residual hopes of saving the match.

After seven consecutive victories in the Knock Out and in the League campaign Mqabba were on the losing end for the first time. They were a pale shadow of the team that impressed so much in the first outings. Their main stars, namely John Paul Muscat, Shaun Magro and Claudio Calleja had an off day together with Mazitelli who rarely got a glimpse of goal.

On the other hand Balzan played their hearts out with youngster Dylan Grima proving to be an asset for this side, and his performance was rewarded with the Youths’ second goal.

Goalmouth actions were very rare in the first half with the first shot at goal on 33 minutes through Mqabba’s David Azzopardi. Some minutes later a melee ensued in front of the Mqabba goalkeeper Anywanna’s and Ciscaldi’s shots blocked by Mqabba defenders.

Two minutes from time Pierre Grima’s cross was chested by Mazitelli but Shaun Magro wasted a good opportunity from the edge of the area.

For the second period Mqabba coach Clive Mizzi introduced Marlon Briffa for Shaun Magro but on 47 minutes Balzan opened the score when Grima passed towards Anywanna who fired in the top corner of the net.

Mqabba’ reaction was a timid one and Balzan easily administered their slender lead till the 77 the minutes when they sealed the issue with a second goal. Anywanna’s shot from an acute angle was partially saved by Kris Calleja and Dylan Grima was at hand to score from the rebound.

Mqabba made some last ditch efforts to get back in the game but had only a Mazitelli freekick to show in the end. Balzan went close to a third scoring with shots from Forace and Grima well saved by Calleja.

Mqabba K. Calleja, A. Scicluna, M. Bonnici, P. Grima, B. Timotic, M.A. Psaila (C. Cuschieri), D. Azzopardi, T. Mazitelli, C. Calleja (J. Shead), J.P. Muscat, S. Magro (M. Briffa).

Balzan Y F. Tabone, R. Conceicao, D. Agius, J. Francica, C. Ciantar, B. Bondin, S. Ciscaldi (M. Buttigieg), R. Forace, D. Grima (D. Fenech), S. Meilaq (A. Agius), U. Anywanna.

Referee Fiodor Zammit