League champions Balzan Youth notched their 13th win of the season beating Dingli Swallows in an entertaining match. Although without some regular players Balzan were still strong enough to beat Dingli’s gallant resistance.

In scorching sunshine, the match was well played by both sides, with both goalkeepers frequently called in action. Dingli’s Okachi was one of his side’s best players together with Leontiev Konda, and the heavy defeat is rather harsh on Gyorev’s side.

Balzan although without the services of Conceicao were commanding in midfield, and deserved their victory as they were sharper in front of goal, especially with Lyden Micallef who scored a hat trick.

The league champions had a flying start and after barely 40 seconds play they went ahead when Michael Borg passed towards Lyden Micallef who shot past Clive Caruana. Dingli hit back with a good move four minutes later when Sapiano passed towards Rodrick Briffa who shot slightly wide.

On 15 minutes Dingli went very close when Konda was denied by a great Caruana save, but on 23 minutes the Balzan custodian had no answer to Okachi’s grounder who was well served by Etienne Farrugia.

On 33 minutes Okachi missed a great opportunity when he was put through by Sapiano, but he failed to score with only Caruana to beat. Two minutes later Balzan re-took the lead when Lyden Micallef dribbled past two defenders before firing in the top corner of the net.

In the final minutes Dingli went close with a Konda cross shot, and an Okachi shot that was well saved by Caruana.

On the resumption Balzan had a goal disallowed for a handling infringement, and on 50 minutes Dingli went very close when a Kevin Borg shot was cleared off the goal line by David Agius.

Two minutes later the Dingli goalkeeper made a spectacular save denying Calcado direct from a freekick. On the other end Balzan goalkeeper Caruana made a spectacular save to stop an Okachi scorcher from the edge of the area.

On 66 minutes Balzan increased their lead when Calcado passed towards substitute Anywanna who slotted the ball home from an acute angle. Balzan were now more at ease.

Two minutes from time Lyden Micallef notched his hat trick when he slotted the ball home following a melee in front of goal.

Dingli S J. Farrugia, R. Sammut, S. Tellus, K. Borg, R. Vella (K. Pace), K. Formosa, J. Sapiano (C. Azzopardi), L. Konda, P. Okachi, E. Farugia, R. Briffa (J. Pace).

Balzan Y C. Caruana, C. Micallef (R. Farrugia), R. Forace, D. Agius, M. Buttigieg, B. Bondin (A. Agius), S. Ciscaldi, D. Fenech, P. Dos Santos Calcado, L. Micallef, M. Borg (U. Anywanna).

Referee Paul Apap