Late goals sink Balzan

Balzan conceded two late goals in a 2-0 defeat to Videoton FC at the Pancho Arena in Felcsut in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.

New Balzan coach Marko Micovic handed three of the new signings – Milan Savic, Uros Ljubomirac and Cadu a place in the starting line-up.

As expected, the hosts held the initiative but Balzan could have taken the lead on the 57th minute with a great freekick by Ryan Fenech which was blocked in style by goalkeeper Kovacsik.

Videoton were awarded a penalty on the 72nd minute after Effiong floored Lazovic inside the area. However Marko Scepovic’s effort from the penalty spot hit the crossbar with the ball being cleared into safety by the Balzan defence.

However Scepovic was not to be denied on the 79th minute when he received an assist from outside the area and with a diagonal shot from the left, he beat goalkeeper Janjusevic.

Four minutes in added time, the Hungarians doubled the score when off a cross from the right, Hadzic had a close range effort blocked by Janjusevic with Danko Lazovic slamming the ball home from close range.

The second leg will be played at the Hibernians Stadium on Tuesday 4th July.

VIDEOTON Adam Kovacsik, Andras Fejes, Danko Lazovic, Angel Hadzic, Loic Nego, Stopira, Roland Juhasz, Adam Bodi (63’ Krisztian Geresi), Jozsef Varga (54’ Mate Patkai), Marko Scepovic, Asmir Suljic.

BALZAN Ivan Janjusevic, Ryan Fenech, Paul Fenech, Steve Bezzina, Alfred Effiong (90+2’ Dylan Grima), Uros Ljubomirac (77’ Alex da Paixao Alves), Elkin Serrano, Cadu (83’ Milos Lepovic), Milan Slavic, Bruno, Bojan Kaljevic.

Referee: Dejan Jakimovski (MKD)
Assistant Referees: Nikola Karakolev, Kushtrim Lika (MKD)
Fourth Official: Nikola Kostencev (MKD)