Futsal: Comfortable wins for Hibs, Balzan

futsal2014xwrjhuxfTitle challengers Hibernians and Balzan won their respective encounters in the FXDD Premier Division to gear up for the final play-offs to be played at the end of this month.

Hibernians defeated eighth-placed Qormi 10-3 to maintain their unbeaten record and keep their top place in the standings.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg

After finding themselves down in the first half, Qormi reacted swiftly and restored parity, But in the dying seconds, Hibernians scored twice to end the first half 4-3 up. In the second half, the Paolites dominated the proceedings to score six times to eventually end the contest and obtain their nineteenth win of the season.

David Bobokhidze hit the target four times; Levan Kobaidze and Andrew Cohen scored a brace while Xavier Saliba and Melvin Borg added more goals for Hibernians. Qormi scored their three goals through a brace by Allen Medati and a goal from Sam Vella.

Balzan strengthened their second spot in the table after beating rivals Luxol 5-3 and register their eighteenth success of the season. After winning last week’s Knock-Out final, Balzan were ready to extend their positive run in the league.

They were buoyed by a superb display from in-form Gabriel Dobre who scored a hat-trick. Clint Cope and Emil Raducu increased Balzan’s lead to complete their victory. Noel Bray and Ibrahim Tarik were among the scorers for Luxol.

San Gwann ended the season in a positive way after sharing a 5-5 draw with Zabbar to secure fourth place and make it to the play-offs.

Meanwhile, Valletta won the decisive clash for the Championship thanks to a 3-2 win over Zebbug to extend their positive run in the FXDD First Division. It was a match which attracted a good number of supporters at the Corradino Pavillion between two teams that had already secured promotion to the top flight next season.

Considered to be the main title contenders, both teams provided a good level of futsal with the match resulting in a balanced affair. Ilija Milivojsa, Dylan Agius and Dassier Borg were on target for the Citizens. Alan Zammit and Jamie Portelli temporarily levelled matters for Zebbug.

Qrendi returned to winning ways with a handsome 5-4 victory over Naxxar Lions to secure the fourth place in the table. Luke Zammit hit a brace, Antonello Brincat, Bertram Azzopardi and Kevin Vella scored more goals for Qrendi to register their fourteenth victory of the season. Naxxar’s goals were scored by Paul Falzon, Khail Drago, Adrian Fenech and Bernard Sciberras.

In another exciting match, Gzira and Fgura shared sixteen goals in a dramatic 8-8 draw. For the Maroons this was their last commitment of the season which had a satisfying end as they were promoted to Premier Division next season.

STANDINGS:
Premier Division – Championship Pool:
Hibernians 58, Balzan 55, Luxol 50, San Gwann 37, Zabbar 32, Hamrun 31, Pembroke 30, Qormi 22.
Premier Division – Relegation Pool:
Birzebbugia, Mosta 22, Vittoriosa, Swieqi 19, Melita 17, Zurrieq 16, Luqa 13.

First Division:
Valletta 52, Gzira 50, Zebbug 49, Qrendi 44, Naxxar37, Kalkara 31, M’Scala 29, Sirens 28, Sirens 28, Msida 25, Siggiewi 19, Mqabba 17, Sta Lucia 8