Three first half goals give Birkirkara a comfortable win over leaders Balzan

Two goals from Vito Plut and an own goal by Steve Bezzina gave Birkirkara a comfortable 3-0 win over Balzan.

Mislav Andelkovic of Birkirkara challenging Bojan Kaljevic for the ball. Photo: Christine Borg
Mislav Andelkovic of Birkirkara challenging Bojan Kaljevic for the ball. Photo: Christine Borg

Balzan had the first opportunity on goal after six minutes. Following a mistake from Kopric, Effiong failed to make the most out of the situation as he was unable to conclude.

Oliver Spiteri’s side had another chance on the 18th minute when Alfred Effiong fired a shot that was blocked by Miroslav Kopric.

Despite these early chances for Balzan, Birkirkara took control of the match and went ahead on the 19th minute. Vito Plut went on the left flank before sending a shot that was parried by Janjusevic. From the rebound, Plut finished inside the net.

The stripes doubled the score on the 26th minute. Rowen Muscat delivered a cross inside the penalty area towards Plut. In his attempts to clear the danger, Steve Bezzina committed an own goal.

Balzan tried to hit back on the 31st minute after Abdelkarim Nafti attempted a long range shot that went high.

Birkirkara scored their third goal on the brink of half time. Frank Temile went inside the penalty area and had two attempts that were saved by Janjusevic. The ball fell for Plut who finished inside the net to score his second goal.

Janjusevic had to be on the alert to deny Birkirkara on the 53rd minute. Rowen Muscat sent a pass towards Plut who saw his effort being neutralised by the Balzan goalkeeper.

Plut had another opportunity on the 65th minute. The Slovenian striker saw his shot being saved by Janjusevic once more.

Brezek’s side dominance continued with another chance on the 73rd minute. Substitute Ryan Scicluna hit a low shot that ended up centimetres wide.

Following this result, Birkirkara sit second in the table with 16 points, while Balzan remain top with 19 points.