Piciollo keeps Balzan in the driving seat

Balzan had to overcome a stern challenge from gritty Gzira United before scoring late to secure a win that keeps them firmly at the top of the BoV Premier League standings.

Gzira held on well for most of teh game against superior opponents and even scored an equaliser briefly after falling behind towards the end of the first half. Their defence however wilted under Balzan’s well executed free kick seven minutes from the end.

Matteo Piciollo scored Balzan’s goals to take his tally to five so far this season.

Gzira fielded three new players whom they acquired recently, giving starts to two forwards, Nigerian Ige Adeshina and Louis Zome from Cameroon, as well as Valletta loanee defender Ian Azzopardi.

The other recruit from St George’s, Emerson Amaira started on the bench and made only a very late appearance.

Balzan were fairly depleted. Apart from the still injured wide back Steve Bezzina, Elkin Serrano, Bojan Kaljevic and Alfred Effiong were all suspended.

The first half was played high on energy but offered little in terms of entertainment. Balzan’s attacking options remained limited and, although they dominated possession, they created very little against deep-lying opponents.

Gzira were content to stay composed, absorb the pressure and hit on the counter. They hooved long balls forward for Adeshina and Zome to chase, with Corblan, Correa, Avila Perez and Scerri stifling Balzan with some good work in midfield.

Balzan took a valuable lead on 41 minutes. Matteo Piciollo chased a long ball from the left, advanced inside the Gzira area