Balzan were relegated to the Challenge League as they only managed to earn a point in a 1-1 draw with Naxxar Lions in a decisive match from the 360Sports Malta Premier Closing Round at the National Stadium on Saturday.

After ending their Opening Round commitments also in the second place bottom, Balzan were automatically relegated while Naxxar Lions, who had finished the Opening Round at the bottom of the table but managed to finish third from bottom in the Closing Round, will be taking part in the relegation play-out against Melita who ended their Closing Round commitments at the bottom of the table.

The relegation play-out is scheduled for Friday May 9 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, kick-off at 18:00.

At the National Stadium, following a goalless first half, things seemed heading in the right direction for Balzan after they were awarded a penalty after Udoyen Akpan was pushed down inside the area but Jan Busuttil’s effort from the penalty spot was neutralised by Naxxar goalkeeper Matthias Debono.

Naxxar gained confidence and managed to take the lead on 57 minutes when off a throw in by Nikolai Micallef, Bacary Sane headed the ball down and Maicon hit home past goalkeeper Danilo Golovic.

Balzan equalised five minutes from time thanks to Awosanya Oluwatobiloba Dimeji but this goal was not enough for Andrew Cohen’s side to avoid relegation.

Meanwhile at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, Gzira United and Melita shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Gzira took the lead on 12 minutes when off a cross by Shaquill Son, Lucas Macula headed the ball home past goalkeeper Gosef Mizzi.

Melita equalised two minutes later courtesy of Ensell Attard who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Jake Badawi after Kurt Bondin intercepted a pass between two Gzira defenders.

On 33 minutes, Melita went 2-1 ahead thanks to a carbon-copy of the first goal when Matthew Debattista pressed a Gzira defender, gaining possession and serving Ensell Attard who hit low past Badawi.

The Maroons equalised seven minutes from time when off a cross by Thaylor Aldama, Kevin Tulimieri hit low past the Melita custodian.