Balzan maintained alive hopes of avoiding the bottom two places and hence, automatic relegation to the Challenge League, as they earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Hibernians in a match from the 360Sports Malta Premier Bottom 6 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday.

Balzan join Naxxar Lions on the 16-points mark, six ahead of Melita but both Naxxar and Melita have a game in hand as they take on Gzira United and Zabbar St. Patrick respectively on Monday. 

The Paolites took the lead on 5 minutes referee Daniel Portelli ordered a penalty after Samir Arab pulled Jurgen Degabriele down inside the area and from the penalty spot, Lucas Villela converted.

On the hour, Hibernians had Khevin Fraga sent off after receiving a second yellow card and seconds later, Balzan captain Samir Arab also received a second booking and had to abandon the field of play.

Two minutes from time, Balzan were awarded a penalty but Victor Blasco’s effort from the penalty spot was saved in two attempts by the Hibernians goalkeeper. 

However one minute later, Elvis Kamsoba equalised with a powerful long-distance effort which saw the ball end in the top right corner.