A goal on the stroke of time gave Santa Lucia a win over Balzan and three valuable points in their quest to avoid the drop. As for Balzan this was another set back and things are not looking that bright for them.

Balzan and Santa Lucia faced off in a match between two teams who will be playing Relegation Pool football in the second part of the the campaign. Both sides went out for the maximum points as the battle for salvation is now intensifying. Balzan who had just won one match from their last nine matches lost their last match against Hibernians, a match which confirmed their status for the second part of the match. On the other hand following consecutive wins against Birkirkara and Valletta, Santa Lucia lost in their last outing against Ħamrun Spartans.

The first round match between these two sides ended in a 3-3 draw.

Balzan were the first to venture forward and inside the 7th minute they tested goalkeeper Haber. Milan Duric fired a shot which was partially saved by the Saints goalkeeper and from the resultant rebound  Kaljevic saw his shot saved once again by an alert Haber.

Santa Lucia replied just a minute later through a Da Silva free-kick with Soares heading goalwards and goalkeeper Galea neutralizing.

Midway through the first half  Galea was called once again into the action this time saving on Gianmarco Conti. And minutes later he was on the spot to save a Soares free-kick. Ten minutes from the end of the first half Mijic made his way forward only for this final shot just missing the target.

The second half lacke scoring opportunities and just past the hour Balzan had to chance to forge ahead but Andrejic with only goalkeeper Haber to beat saw the Saints goalkeeper blocking his effort.

When all indications were that the match was going to end in a goaless draw Alan Da Silva Souza fired a shot from outside the area leaving goalkeeper Galea stranded.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina