Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1091272
29 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 MARCH 2019 SPORTS FOOTBALL Floriana, Balzan in goalless draw PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIC BORG IN a match without a story, Floriana and Balzan shared the spoils in a goalless draw. The first half was mediocre with neither side threaten- ing much. The tempo of the match was very slow as both teams shared possession in- side the centre of the pitch. Floriana were slightly better than Balzan and created two chances on goal. The Greens created the first chance on goal after 15 min- utes. Brandon Paiber fired a shot from close range that was blocked by Sean Mintoff. Floriana went close again on the brink of half-time. Arthur Oyama's cross from a corner was met by Enzo Ruiz whose effort was tipped behind for a corner by Sean Mintoff. Guido Ugolotti's men made a good start to the second half and threatened Balzan again on the 48th minute. Kristian Keqi drilled a low shot from the left side of the penalty area that failed to hit the target. Balzan hit back and were awarded an indirect free-kick from inside the penalty area on the 53rd minute following a dangerous play. However, Ri- cardo Calixto Correa Duarte's shot stamped off the wall. Supporters had to wait till the 73rd minute to witness an- other chance on goal. Correa Duarte sent a low shot from distance that was neutralised by Ini Etim Akpan without much difficulty. Floriana replied on the 82nd minute. Clyde Borg fired a powerful volley from distance that ended up marginally over. Balzan were unlucky not to score three minutes later. Fol- lowing a free-kick, Correa Du- arte deflected the ball towards the post. The ball fell for Alek- sandar Kosoric who fired over. Floriana had a goal disal- lowed on the 90th minute. Fol- lowing a corner, the ball was deflected inside Balzan's net. However, the referee ruled out the goal. Floriana starting line-up: Ini Etim Akpan, Enzo Ruiz, Kris- tian Keqi, Brandon Diego Paib- er, Jurgen Pisani, Tiago da Silva Galvao, Alex Cini, Jose Ulises Arias, Arthur Oyama, Edward Herrera, Ezequuiel Cesani Balzan starting line-up: Sean Mintoff, Aleksandar Kosoric, Steve Pisani, Steve Bezzina, Paul Fenech, Alfred Effiong, Uros Ljubomirac, Ivan Bozo- vic, Elkin Serrano Valero, Ri- cardo Calixto Correa Duarte, Milos Lepovic Referee: Stefan Pace Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, William Debattista Fourth Official: Philip Far- rugia BOV Player of the Match: Enzo Ruiz (Floriana) Floriana Balzan 0 0