Naxxar L-Balzan Y 3-0

Balzan: M. Falzon, J. Grioli, A. Scicluna, S. Bezzina, A. Agius, G. Calabretta (J. Cipriott 41’), M. Spiteri (J. Dos Reis Santos 71’), F. Vignaroli, D. Grima, L. Sciberras, J. Armaro Negrin (R. Darmanin 55’)

Naxxar: J. Azzopardi, J. Ani, V. Bellia (D. Falzon 64’), M. Briffa (M. Del Negro 27’), A. Buhagiar (J. Debono 86’), R. Cassar, G. Da Silva Ribeiro, P. Doffo, T. Lopes de Souza, E. Silva dos Santos, O. Zongo

Scorers: Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro 43min (N), Darren Falzon 79min, 90min (N)

Yellow Cards: Angus Buhagiar 20min (N), Justin Grioli 51min (B), Mattia Del Negro 87min (N)

Red Cards: Michael Falzon 40min (B), Justin Grioli 77min (B)

Referee: Alan Mario Sant

Additional Referees: Adrian Azzopardi, Sandro Spiteri

Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Luke Portelli

BOV Player of the Match: Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro (N)

Naxxar Lions returned to winning ways after their defeat against Birkirkara when they defeated Balzan 3-0 to climb momentarily in fifth place with 13 points. Although they deserved the three points, Naxxar had to score the second goal to close the match as Balzan had various chances to equalise. It was the first defeat for Jesmond Zerafa since he took charge of  Balzan. They were penalised by the sending off of goalkeeper Michael Falzon and from then onwards, it was an uphill battle for them.

Balzan had Michael Falzon former Hamrun Spartans and Swieqi United replacing Miguelez Martinez while Rodrigo Pereira was replaced by Aaron Agius in the starting line-up.On the other hand Winston Muscat’s had Andre Rocha da Silva missing as he was serving a one match suspension.

The first action to note came on the 20th minute when Mark Spiteri dribbled in the penalty area down the left flank and with a swerved shot gave the illusion of the goal but his shot was denied by the Azzopardi’s left upright. Five minutes later Balzan again dangerous when Mark Spiteri gave a good ball to Negrin but after controlling the ball failed to capitalise from close range.

Naxxar responded with their very first opportunity on the 33rd minute when after a good action with consecutive passes the ball finished on the left side to Zongo who passed to da Silva Ribeiro but from an ideal position fired wide. Naxxar were better than their opponents at this stage and had another opportunity with a shot from captain Victor Bellia but the shot finished off target. Two minutes later Cassar passed to Angus Buhagiar but his shot was well saved by Falzon.

Naxxar were given a penalty on the 39th minute when Zongo received a good ball from Ani and came 1 on 1 with Falzon who fouled him in the penalty area and referee Alan Mario Sant had only one option but to give Falzon marching orders. Jesmond Zerafa had to sacrifice Gianluca Calabretta for young keeper Jacob Cipriott. From the penalty area Gilmar da Silva Ribeiro made no mistake to put his team in front. With a numerical advantage, Naxxar were piling the pressure for a second goal and Gilmar tried another shot but this time Cipriott saved his shot.

Balzan had the first opporunity in the second half when Azzopardi made a reflex save from a short distance after a shot by Negrin. Two minutes later Mark Spiteri gave another ball to Negrin but again Azzopardi was ready to tip into a corner.  

Naxxar could have doubled the score on the 57th minute when Gilmar stole the possesion from Scicluna but after dribbling inside the penalty wasted a good opportunity with a shot off target. Balzan replied on the other side when Vignaroli had a free-kick that was saved easily by Azzopardi.

Substitute Ryan Darmanin was again dangerous on the 70th minute but his shot finished off target. On the other side a shot by Jerry Ani gave the illusion of a goal but his shot finished whiskers from the post. A minute later Naxxar could have closed the affair when substitute Darren Falzon managed to beat the offside trap, lobbed over Cipriott but his shot was denied by crossbar.

Balzan were reduced to 10 men on the 77th minute when Gilmar made a fantastic dribble but he was fouled by Justin Grioli who received his second yellow card and had an early shower. From the free-kick Naxxar sealed the win when Darren Falzon placed a good free-kick with Cipriott arriving late for the ball. Naxxar added another goal on the 90th minute when Gilmar and Darren Falzon finished against Cipriott with the Brazilian passing to Falzon who made no mistake in an empty net.