Senglea stun Sliema — Balzan held by Naxxar

Leaders Balzan dropped two important points as they were held in a goalless draw by Naxxar Lions at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Saturday.

A result which definitely satisfied more Oliver Spiteri’s side as the Naxxar coach was facing his former club for the first time. The Lions join Tarxien Rainbows on the 10-point mark as they lie joint-third from bottom. On the other hand, Balzan now risk seeing their lead go down to just one point should Valletta and Gzira United win their commitments this weekend.

During the first half, Balzan went close with attempts by Paul Fenech and Alfred Effiong ending wide while a conclusion by Milos Lepovic was parried by Nicht. Naxxar replied with a Daren Falzon header ending just wide.

In the second half, Balzan went close once again with attempts by Alfred Effiong and Paul Fenech and just before the final whistle, Alfred Effiong’s effort was neutralised by the Naxxar goalkeeper.

NAXXAR Christoph Nicht, Scott Fenwick, Ryan Grech (19′ Daren Falzon), Manolito Micallef, Duane Bonnici, Jurgen Debono (72′ Daniel Mateo Bustos), Angus Buhagiar, Oussenyou Elhadji Ndoye, Adrian Cascaval, Arnaud Mendy, Yuri de Jesus Messias (31′ Joel Ellul).
Subs not used: Omar Borg, Tristan Nappa Licari, Ryan Cassar, Mark Fenech.
Coach: Oliver Spiteri

BALZAN Sean Mintoff, Jacob Borg, Alfred Effiong, Elkin Serrano Valero, Uros Ljubomirac, Milos Lepovic, Bojan Kaljevic, Paul Fenech, Alex da Paixao Alves, Bruno Giglio de Oliveira, Justin Grioli (62′ Ryan Fenech).
Subs not used: Dorian Bugeja, Clive Brincat, Gary Camilleri, Jamie Zerafa, Michael Johnson, Marko Platisa.
Coach: Marko Micovic

Referee: Philip Farrugia
Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Mitchell Scerri
Fourth Official: Sandro Spiteri
Yellow Cards: Lecao, Fenwick, Ndoye, Effiong

BOV Player of the Match: Milos Lepovic

Meanwhile at the Hibernians Stadium, Senglea Athletic collected three precious points thanks to an impressive 3-0 win over Sliema Wanderers.

This was the second consecutive win for the team led by Paolo Favaretto which enables them to join Mosta on the 15-point mark. On the other hand, for the Wanderers, this was another disappointing result following last week’s draw to Mosta as they continue to lose ground with the leading teams.

Terence Vella put Senglea ahead after just eight minutes. Peter Paul Sammut doubled the score three minutes in the second half thanks to an assist by Terence Vella.

Senglea sealed the issue with a third goal fifteen minutes from time thanks to another goal by Terence Vella.

SENGLEA Mattew Farrugia, Randall Vella (84′ Steve Bonnici), Jonathan Bondin, Sergio Uyi, Gonzalo Julian Leyton, Matias Garcia, Ivan Edgardo Paz, Gonzalo Nicolas Virano (85′ Mattia Del Negro), Terence Vella, Nicola Palmieri, Peter Paul Sammut (87′ Ryan Dalli).
Subs not used: Roderick Debattista, Antonio Terraciano, Ian Azzopardi, Hubert Vella.
Coach: Paolo Favaretto

SLIEMA GLenn Zammit, Ryan Spiteri (46′ Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte), Goran Adamovic, Stefano Bianciardi, Jefferson de Assis, Mark Scerri, John Mintoff, Matias Muchardi, Edmond Agius, Jonathan Pearson, Nicolae Milinceanu.
Subs not used: Miguel Bonnici, Peter Xuereb, Frenci Qeros, Gabriel Aquilina, Michele Sansone, Lee Pisani.
Coach: John Buttigieg

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Dusan Petrovic
Fourth Official: Darryl Agius
Yellow Cards: R. Vella, Leyton, Scerri, Palmieri
BOV Player of the Match: Terence Vella