Balzan hit five past Qormi to move fourth

With a third win on the trot, Balzan moved fourth in the BOV Premier League, one point ahead of Floriana and four ahead of Tarxien Rainbows as they swept aside the challenge offered by Qormi.

Johann Scicluna’s side therefore suffered the sixth defeat in seven matches, remaining third from bottom.

Balzan lacked the suspended Justin Grioli but welcomed back Paul Fenech. Qormi, on the other hand, could not count on Ousmane Sidibe, Ryan Micallef, Clifford Gauci, Emerson Vella and Terence Vella.

Former Qormi striker Alfred Effiong put Balzan ahead on the 23rd minute when he headed the ball home from close range following a cross from the right by Alan da Silva Souza.

Three minutes in the second half, Balzan doubled hte score when off another cross by Alan da Silva, Lydon Micallef hit home from close.

On the 55th, Balzan were awarded a penalty after Steve Bezzina was brought down inside the area; from the penalty spot, Alan da Silva Souza converted to make it 3-0.

Pedro dos Santos Calcado scored the fourth goal for Balzan on the 61st when he finished off a good move by Alfred Effiong on the right flank by hitting home inside the empty net.

Oliver Spiteri’s side added another on the 70th minute thanks to substitute Aleksandar Vujacic following a shot by Alan da Silva.

QORMI Jean-Matthias Vella, Alessio Cassar (73′ Kyle Spiteri), Noah Olawale Ojuola, Joshua Barbara, Immy Micallef, Yannick Yankam, Kurt Magro (69′ Clint Barbara), Gillmore Azzopardi, Iven Zammit (60′ Shamison Zammit), Pietro Viggiani, Djamel Romano Leeflang Boestra.
Subs not used: Andreas Vella, Jurgen Sciriha, Edward Falzon, Luke Farrugia.
Coach: Johann Scicluna

BALZAN Ivan Janjusevic, Clive Brincat, Paul Fenech, Steve Bezzina, Samir Arab (75′ Maxim Focsa), Alfred Effiong, Pedro dos Santos Calcado (65′ Aleksandar Vujacic), Lydon Micallef (70′ Sean Cipriott), Dylan Grima, Alan da Silva Souza, Elkin Orlando Serrano Valero
Subs not used: Christian Cassar, Jamie Zerafa, Ryan Fenech, Daniel Spiteri.
Coach: Oliver Spiteri

Referee: Matthew Degabriele
Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Martin Borg
Fourth Official: Mario Apap
Yellow Cards: K. Magro, N. O. Ojuola, C. Brincat
Scorers: 23′ Alfred Effiong, 49′ Lydon Micallef, 55′ Alan da Silva Souza pen, 61′ Pedro dos Santos Calcado, 70′ Aleksandar Vujacic 70
BOV Player of the Match: Alan Da Silva Souza (B)
Attendance: 499