Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/863487
48 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 AUGUST 2017 FOOTBALL Balzan start their Premier League campaign with a convincing win over Naxxar Lions Goals from Bojan Kaljevic and Uros Ljubomirac earned Balzan a convincing 2-0 win over newly promoted Naxxar Lions Balzan ...........................2 Naxxar Lions ..................0 WARREN ZAMMIT AS expected, Balzan dominated from the beginning and had a good opportunity after just two minutes. Ryan Fenech won possession in the midfield area, ran towards goal, and fired a shot from outside the pen- alty area that went over. On the 8th minute, Balzan threat- ened again. Kaljevic served Paul Fenech and the latter hit a shot that failed to hit the target. Two minutes later, Ljubomirac of Balzan received a long ball from Ryan Fenech and hit a shot that was neutralised by Omar Borg. Marko Micovic's side had another chance on the 15th minute. Follow- ing a corner, the ball fell for Paul Fenech, and the Maltese midfielder hit a powerful drive that ended up high. On the 18th minute, Ryan Fenech tried his luck from a free-kick, but his shot was blocked by Borg. Balzan lost another great oppor- tunity on the 22nd minute. Alex Da Paixo Alves went past two defend- ers before firing a shot from the edge of the penalty area that ended up centimetres wide. Last year's runners up kept push- ing forward and went close once more on the 27th minute. Jacob Borg's cross was met by Paul Fenech whose effort went wide. On the 37th minute, Balzan were denied by the post. Alfred Effiong received a through ball on the right side of the penalty area and at- tempted to lob the ball past Borg; however, his shot hit the upright. A minute later, Balzan lost a gold- en opportunity. Kaljevic's shot from distance was parried by Borg. From the rebound, the same player head- ed over from close range. Naxxar responded on the 40th minute. Darren Falzon's diagonal shot that was blocked by Ivan Jan- jusevic. Balzan's efforts paid off on the 42nd minute. From a corner, Ryan Fenech sent a cross that went into the path of Kaljevic. This time, the Montenegrin striker kept his com- posure and placed the ball inside the net. Seven minutes into the second half, Balzan had another attempt on goal. Ryan Fenech sent Ljubomirac through on the right side of the penalty area, but the latter's low shot was saved by Borg. Balzan made it 2-0 on the 57th minute. First it was Effiong who went on a good run before attempt- ing to place the ball behind Borg. However, the Maltese striker saw his effort hitting the post. From the rebound, Ljubomirac slotted the ball home. On the hour mark, Balzan were close to increase the margin of the score. Ryan Fenech sent a cross to- wards Michael Johnson who head- ed slightly over. Five minutes later, Kaljevic hit a low shot from inside the penalty area that sailed marginally wide. Balzan hit the post once more on the 78th minute. Kaljevic fired a shot form a free-kick that hit the upright. Three minutes from time, Kalje- vic attempted another long range shot that went slightly over. In the additional time, Fal- zon of Naxxar fired a powerful shot from a free-kick that was well saved by Janjusevic. Balzan starting line-up: Ivan Jan- jusevic, Ryan Fenech, Steve Bezzina, Alex Da Paixao Alves, Paul Fenech, Bojan Kaljevic, Uros Ljubomirac (Jamie Zerafa – 83), Alfred Effiong (Lydon Micallef – 63), Jacob Borg, Bruno Gilio De Oliveira (Elkin Ser- rano Valero – 23), Michael Johnson Naxxar Lions starting line-up: Omar Borg, Angus Buhagiar, Dar- ren Falzon, Francesco Serafino (Gianluca Grima -87), Manolito Micallef, Duane Bonnici, Marco Botta, Mark Fenech, Ryan Gilmour Cassar, Joel Ellul (Tristan Nappa Licari- 75), Ameth Lo Referee: Clayton Pisani Assistant Referees: Alan Camill- eri, Mitchell Scerri Fourth Official: Philip Farrugia BOV Player of the Match: Uros Ljubomirac (Balzan) PHOTOGRAPHY: DOMINIC BORG