Balzan earned three precious points in the battle against relegation as they defeated Zejtun Corinthians 3-1 in a direct clash at the Centenary Stadium on Wednesday.

A win which puts Balzan in tenth place on level points with Gudja United and Floriana, leaving Zejtun, three points behind them, in fourth place from bottom.

Balzan took the lead on the 24th minute when off a Milan Djuric corner from the right, Michael Johnson headed home past goalkeeper Christian Cassar.

A minute later, Balzan doubled the score when following a good move between Aleksa Andrejic and Stefan Dimic who served Uros Ljubomirac on the right and off the latter’s cross, Moussa Sanoh beat the Zejtun goalkeeper.

Eight minutes from the end of the first half, Balzan scored the third goal when Christian Cassar blocked a corner by Andrejic, Michael Johnson had a first attempt blocked again by Cassar but the same player placed the ball at the back of the net with a fine volley off the rebound.

But the first half was not over yet as Anderson de Barros served Sergio Barboza who had a shot blocked by Marcus Grima but the Zejtun midfielder took the rebound and served Roberio do Nascimento Santos whose shot from outside the area beat goalkeeper Vukasin Vranes.

BALZAN Vukasin Vranes, Augustine Loof, Marcus Grima, Milan Djuric, Steev Bezzina (90+3′ Zak Grech), Michael Johnson, Uros Ljubomirac, Stefan Dimic (90+3′ Adam Bradshaw), Moussa Sanoh (79′ Gary Camilleri), Aleksa Andrejic (70′ Alfred Effiong), Sean Cipriott (90+3′ Samir Arab).
Subs not used: Andy Gilson, Isaac Buhagiar.
Coach: Mark Miller
Asst. Coach: Joseph Grech

ZEJTUN Christian Cassar, Lucas Moreira, Kemar Reid, Roberio do Nascimento, Thiago Bonfim (46′ Christian Grech), Henrique Marcelino Motta, Sergio Barboza da Silva Junior, Edward Herrera (46′ Neil Tabone), Gillmore Azzopardi, Anderson de Barros (70′ Adrian Carabott).
Subs not used: Daniel Grima, Alessio Cassar, Mattia Del Negro, Gianluca Bugeja.
Coach: Orosco Anonam
Asst. Coach: Paul Bugeja

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Duncan Spencer
Fourth Official: Alex Johnson
Yellow Cards: Bonfim, Cipriott, Azzopardi, Barboza
BOV Player of the Match: Michael Johnson