360Sports Malta Premier – MD25
Balzan………………….2
Sliema Wanderers…..3
Sliema Wanderers secured three points after defeating Balzan 3-2. Balzan came close to levelling the score but ran out of time for a full comeback.
The Wanderers started on the front foot, and after six minutes, Vito Plut had his first attempt saved well by goalkeeper Golovic. The Balzan shot-stopper was called into action again six minutes later to deny another effort from the Slovenian.
Plut eventually found a way past Golovic in the 17th minute. Magri Overend set up Abdulahi Awad, who delivered a perfect ball for Plut to finish clinically. In the 35th minute, Sliema captain Steve Pisani delivered an excellent cross into the box, and Plut doubled his side’s lead with a well-placed header.
At the start of the second half, Sliema resumed their attacking intent. Within the space of two minutes, between the 50th and 52nd minutes, Golovic made two fine saves, denying efforts from Priadun and Plut. Balzan came close to reducing the deficit in the 54th minute when a free kick from Jan Busuttil sailed just over the crossbar.
Five minutes later, Plut turned provider, assisting Magri Overend, who found the net to extend Sliema’s advantage.
In the 81st minute, Balzan were awarded a penalty after Awosanya was brought down in the box by Kikabidze. Triston Caruana made no mistake from the spot, making it 3-1.
Balzan continued to push forward, and in the second minute of added time, Gianluca Cacciatore scored with a header to further reduce the deficit.
Despite their late efforts, Balzan could not find an equaliser, and Sliema took all three points from the encounter.
Referee: Glen Tonna
Line-ups:
Balzan: D. Golovic, K. Nemanja, S. Arab, T. Caruana, J. Busuttil, B. Hili, D. Awosanya, B. Stanic, L. Lukovic, V. Blasco Llorens, M. Bacanin.
Sliema Wanderers: K. Agu Emeka, J. Borg, A. Magri Overend, V. Plut, M. Priadun, M. Beerman, G. Alcino, W. Matos Da Silva, S. Zibo, S. Pisani, A. Mohamed Awad.
