Marsaxlokk extended their positive run as they defeated Balzan 2-1 in a match from the 360Sports Opening Round Bottom 6 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Sunday.
This win was in fact the seventh positive result for the Southseasiders following the arrival of coach Enzo Potenza. They stay two points behind Gzira United who lead the way in the Bottom 6. On the other hand, Balzan, who were led by assistant coach Daryl Willard, suffered a fourth defeat in five matches to stay third from bottom but Naxxar Lions, who lie two points behind them have a game against Melita in hand.
It took Marsaxlokk just three minutes to take the lead when off a Yuri Messias corner, Nikolai Muscat’s angled shot from the left was deflected by Triston Caruana past goalkeeper Dylan Ciappara for an own goal.
Balzan equalised on 23 minutes when off a cross by Elvis Kamsoba from the left, Tristan Caruana served Udoyen Akpan whose close-range effort was blocked by Drobnjak but Caruana took the rebound and beat the Marsaxlokk custodian with an angled shot from the right.
However, Marsaxlokk regained the lead on 72 minutes when Enmy Pena Beltre delivered a cross from the right and off a short clearance by a defender, Ulises Arias served Yuri Messias on the right and the latter beat three defenders, beating Ciappara in the top left corner.
Ten minutes from time, Balzan were reduced to ten men after Awosanya received a second yellow card by referee Matthew De Gabriele.
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