Naxxar Lions extended their positive run to five matches as they defeated Balzan 2-1 at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday. A win which puts George Vella’s side on level points with the same Balzan and Valletta – nine points, one behind the three teams in fifth place – Hibs, Mosta and Birkirkara – and one ahead of Gzira who lie in the eleventh place.
For Balzan, this was another shock defeat, following last week’s heavy defeat against Birkirkara. They have now lost four out of the seven matches played so far.
Balzan were unlucky to hit the crossbar on the 19th minute with a Leonardo da Silva effort when served by Jake Grech.
Naxxar took the lead on the 35th minute courtesy of Marcilio Wiliam Moreira da Silva who headed the ball home following a cross from the left by Takuma Yamaguchi.
Balzan, however, equalised just before half-time when Jake Grech released Leonardo da Silva on the left and his low shot hit the upright and the goalkeeper before ending at the back of the net.
On the hour, Balzan could have made it 2-1 when Leonardo da Silva was floored by Neil Pace Cocks inside the area but the Brazilian’s effort from the penalty spot was neutralised by goalkeeper Matthias Debono.
Four minutes loater, Naxxar notched the winner when Edson Cerqueira Farias released Pablo Augusto on the left and off the latter’s cross, Marcilio Wiliam Moreira da Silva hit home.