Balzan and Ħamrun were the protagonists in the first match played on Monday at the Centenary Stadium. Four goals, numerous chances and some good football made this match an entertaining one. A result which pleased no one except for Gzira and Hibernians.

After losing to Birkirkara in their last match Ħamrun were looking to bounce back and return to winning ways. But they had no easy task when faced with Balzan but who in their last match during the week failed to defeat Zejtun Corinthians, a match which ended in a goaless draw.

Ħamrun coach Mark Buttigieg made two changes from their last match with the returning Predrag Djordjevic and Darren Borg given a starting berth instead of Iriberri and Adeshina. On the other hand Mark Miller

Ħamrun took the lead on 15 minutes when following a short pass by Mbong the ball came into Predrag Djordjevic path who after making his way in the box drove the ball into the net.  Balzan reacted in the 26th minute when off a McWoods cross from the right side Jalu failed to connect when in front of goal.

Balzan drew level four minutes from the end of the first half when a Steve Pisani corner was perfectly headed home by Michael Johnson.  With Hamrun going near to regaining their lead in the 44th minute when a Barbosa shot from inside the area was cleared off the line by Johnson with Djordjevic missing the easiest of chances with the goal at his mercy.

Just off the hour Djordjevic had his shot from the edge of the area palmed onto a corner by Vranes. With Ħamrun forging ahead once again in the 66th minute when Guillaumier supplied the cross towards Predrag Djordjevic who headed home from close range.

Ħamrun were now in total control and eighteen minutes from the end a low drive by Iriberri was saved once again by the Balzan custodian. But eight minutes from the end of the match Debono was once again on the alert saving a McWoods shot on the turn.

Balzan drew level in the 86th minute when off a Steve Pisani corner Serrano Valero was adjudged handling the ball  in the area and after heavy protests by the Ħamrun players Augustine Loof converted in style.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina