Despite having two players sent off in the final stages, Balzan earned a point in a 1-1 draw with neighbours Lija Athletic at the Hibernians Stadium.

A draw which, however, leaves Balzan in the danger zone as they now share once again the fourth place from bottom with Floriana.

Lija, on the other hand, are once again second from bottom, two points behind Tarxien but have a game in hand.

Balzan took the lead on the 10th minute thanks to Aleksa Andrejic who won the ball in midfield and advanced past two defenders before anticipating the onrushing Luke Bonnici with a low shot from outside the area.

Lija equalised on the 31st minute when Carlos Flores received the ball off a short clearance by Augustine Loof and hit low past goalkeeper Vukasin Vranes.

Milan Djuric was unlucky to hit the crossbar with a direct freekick from the right on the 79th minute but three minutes later, he was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, one after the other.

Substitute Neil Micallef also hit the bar, with a cross shot from the left for Lija four minutes from time.

In added time, Weverton Gomes also received a second yellow card for Balzan, therefore leaving his side in nine men.