BOV Premier League | Balzan 1 – Sliema Wanderers 2

Hibernians are the new leaders of the BOV Premier League as Balzan suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sliema Wanderers.

Frank Temile (Sliema) being challenged by Paul Fenech and Alan Da Silva Souza (Balzan). Photo: Dominic Borg
Frank Temile (Sliema) being challenged by Paul Fenech and Alan Da Silva Souza (Balzan). Photo: Dominic Borg

Balzan started well and created the first opportunity on goal after nine minutes. Bojan Kaljevic sent a shot from distance that ended up slightly wide.

However, in their first decent attempt on goal, the Wanderers managed to forge ahead. Salomon Wisdom found Frank Temile and the latter delivered the ball towards Jean Paul Farrugia who hit home from close range.

Balzan started the second half looking for an equaliser and were close on the 48th minute. From a free kick, Ryan fenech forced a good save from Giuseppe Sarao.

Oliver Spiteri’s side managed to equalise four minutes later. Alan Da Silva Souza sent a cross towards Bojan Kaljevic whose header ended up inside the net past Sarao.

Sarao was alert to keep Sliema level on the 56th minute. Da Silva Souza went past two defenders and fired a shot that was well saved by the Italian goalkeeper.

Despite putting a lot of pressure, Balzan paid costly for losing chances as Sliema scored the winning goal on the 82nd minute. Substitute player Ryan Spiteri received the ball from Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte and finished past Christian Cassar.

Balzan starting line-up: Christian Cassar, Clive Brincat, Bruno Giglio de Oliveira, Bojan Kaljevic, Samir Arab, Ryan Fenech, Alan da Silva Souza, Matteo Piciollo, Elkin Serrano Valero, Paul Fenech, Alfred Effiong.

Sliema starting line-up: Giuseppe Sarao, Alex Muscat, Frank Temile, Stefano Bianciardi, Wisdom Salomon, Jonathan Pearson, Denni Rocha dos Santos, Ricardo Correa Duarte, Mark Scerri, Leonardo Incorvaia, Jean Paul Farrugia.

Referee: Sandro Spiteri
Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, William Debattista
Fourth Official: Mario Apap
BOV Player of the Match: Alan da Silva Souza (Balzan)