Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/943656
maltatoday SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2018 51 FOOTBALL Sports PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE BORG Balzan ..................... 3 Lija Athletic ............. 1 WARREN ZAMMIT BALZAN went ahead after just ten minutes. Alex Da Paixao Alves passed the ball towards Carlos De Fiori Mendes whose shot was blocked by Jonathan Martinelli. Rebound fell for Alves who placed the ball inside the net. The Premier League leaders doubled their advantage three minutes later. Bo- jan Kaljevic went on a good run down the left side before sending a cross to- wards Uros Ljubomirac whose effort went behind Martinelli. Lija pulled one back on the brink of half-time. Aaron Sammut hit a shot from a free-kick that stunned Ivan Jan- jusevic. Balzan made sure of their qualification on the 83rd minute. Substitute Siraj Ed- din Arab's cross went into the path of De Fiori Mendes and the Brazilian finished home. Balzan starting line-up: Ivan Janjuse- vic, Clive Brincat, Justin Grioli, Uros Ljubomirac, Elkin Orlando Serrano Valero, Bojan Kaljevic, Milos Lepovic, Paul Fenech, Michael Johnson, Carlos Eduardo de Fiori Mendes, Alex Da Paix- ao Alves Lija starting line-up: Jonathan Mar- tinelli, Carl Cassar, Leon Muscat, Dan- iel Scerri, Erjon Beu, Aaron Sammut, Ryan Sammut, Ousmane Sidibe, Vilfor Hysa, Leejoe Schembri, Kei Hirose Referee: Indrit Myrtja (Albania) Assistant Referees: Astrit Mahmuti, Do- jando Myftari Fourth Official: Kreshnik Barjamaj Balzan keep marching on Balzan's run in the FA Trophy will continue as they managed to beat Lija Athletic 3-1