Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/776046
48 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 22 JANUARY 2017 FOOTBALL Balzan edge past St Andrews Balzan ......................... 1 St. andrews .................. 0 WARREN ZAMMIT ST Andrews controlled Balzan quite well in the early stages of the match and created a chance on the 9th minute. Kyrian Nwonko won possession at the heart of Balzan's defence and served Dale Camilleri inside the penalty area. The latter had a good chance to finish but mis- timed his shot. Possession fell for Ziga Kastrevec who was in an offside position and the chance was lost. Balzan responded on the 19th minute. Matteo Piciollo went on a good run inside the penalty ar- ea and sent a cross shot that was easily neutralised by Jake Galea. Oliver Spiteri's side managed to go ahead on the 24th minute. From a free kick, Bruno Giglio De Oliveria fired a stunning shot that gave Jake Galea no chance. Three minutes later, Balzan had another chance on goal. Pici- ollo hit a low shot that was saved by Galea. In the additional time given by the referee prior to half time, Bojan Kaljevic passed the ball to- wards Paul Fenech whose effort from distance went high. St Andrews had an excellent opportunity to equalise five min- utes into the second half. From a free kick, the ball was delivered towards Godwin Mckay who forced a good save from Chris- tian Cassar. On the 57th minute, Bong Won Che of St Andrews attempted his luck from a distance, but his shot sailed high. Danilo Doncic's side lost a golden opportunity on the 63rd minute. Emny Pena Beltre went down the right flank and sent a cross towards the unmarked Ziga Kastrevec; however, the St Andrews striker headed wide. Two minutes later, Camilleri of St Andrews lost another chance for his side. Following a corner, possession fell for the 24 year old midfielder who sent a strong shot that went off target. Balzan hit back on the 67th minute. Substitute player Alan Da Silva Souza found Bojan Kaljevic whose finish was well saved by Galea. In the additional time given by the referee, Da Silva Souza passed the ball towards Sean Cipriott and the latter's shot was saved by Galea. A minute later, Galea was on the alert once more to neutralise a shot from Effiong. Balzan starting line-up: Chris- tian Cassar, Bruno Giglio De Oliveira, Bojan Kaljevic, Samir Arab, Lydon Micallef, Dylan Grima, Alfred Effiong, Anderson De Barros, Elkin Serrano Valero, Paul Fenech, Matteo Piciollo. St. Andrews starting line-up: Jake Galea, Michael Johnson, Karlo Kesinovic, Bong Won Che, Emny Pena Beltre, Joseph Farru- gia, Dale Camilleri, Felix Udoh, Kyrian Nwoko, Godwin McKay, Ziga Kastrevec. Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spi- teri, Thomas Debono Fourth Official: Fyodor Zammit BOV player of the match: Emny Pena Beltre (St. Andrews) PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIC BORG