Balzan Youths consolidated their lead in the first division league beating second placed Mosta by the odd goal in three in a tense match in front of a sizeable crowd.

Balzan’s winner came from the penalty spot twelve minutes from time, with Mosta claiming a penalty in stoppage time. Tempers were at a high after the final whistle with unsporting scenes on and off the field.

Balzan were surely the better team in the first half as they dictated matters never allowing Mosta to settle down. After taking a deserved lead Balzan tried to control the match and their slender lead but just before the break Mosta obtained the equaliser in their second attempt at goal in the whole first half.

In the second half Mosta were more aggressive than their opponents as they settled down and had more of the ball. Coach Oliver Spiteri introduced strikers Victor Osobu and Firas Aboulezz to give more weight in attack, but Balzan obtained the winner from the penalty spot.

Balzan were dominant in the first minutes with the Mosta goalkeeper saving brilliantly a Conceicao dipper. On 12 minutes Debono was again called in action saving a Calcado freekick.

On 16 minutes Debono had to punch away a menacing corner by Calcado and from the rebound Anywanna missed a sitter when he headed over the bar. Four minutes later Dylan Grima tried his luck from the edge of the area but the ball went well over the bar.

On 21 minutes Mosta missed a golden opportunity when Simon Shead, all alone in front goal, had his shot missing the base of the upright by a whisker.

Sixty seconds later Balzan took the lead when Grima passed towards Aaron Agius who dribbled past goalkeeper Debono before scoring in an empty net. Just before the break Mosta were back on level terms when Simon Shead headed beautifully in a William Camenzuli corner.

Scoring chances were practically inexistent in the second half but 12 minutes from time Balzan’s substitute Lyden Micallef was tripped inside the area by Agius and from the penalty spot, Calcado scored the winner.

Mosta stormed desperately forward in the dying minutes and in stoppage time, Sharlon Pace appeared to handle the ball, with referee Borg turning down Mosta’s penalty appeals, a decision that sparked the heated arguments after the final whistle.