The Malta Independent on Sunday
Clayton Failla header shatters Balzan’s title dreams
Football - BOV Premier League
deserved the victory yesterday as they were the better team in an otherwise balanced affair.
All the pressure was on Balzan yesterday, and they failed miserably, especially after suffering the decisive goal
The match was rather cagey at the start with Hibernians having the upper hand in the first part of the first half. However Balzan slowly but surely, started to get more in the game taking control of the midfield sector.
In this second part of the first half, the outgoing champions were a bit disjointed, with Jurgen Degabriele completely isolated in attack.
Scoring opportunities were few with Balzan creating the first danger when a Ryan Fenech freekick created some panic in front of Hogg but Failla eventually cleared the danger. Hibs hit back with a Lima angled drive that went well over the bar.
On 16 minutes Hibernians had the best chance of the first half when Balzan goalkeeper Janjusevic failed to clear and lost a tackle with Jurgen Degabriele whose shot at an open goal was somehow cleared off the goal line by Serrano Valero.
The Balzan goalkeeper was also injured in this action, but he somehow struggled to finish at least the first half.
On 23 minutes a Steve Bezzina’s cross was met by Kaljevic who anticipated Hogg but his header went slightly over the bar.
On the half hour Degabriele passed to Mbong who made his way inside the area but his effort was too weak to worry Janjusevic.
Just before the break a Johan Bezzina bombshell was blocked by Kaljevic who had to be assited by Balzan’s medical staff.
Janjusevic did not make it in the second half and was substituted by Sean Mintoff. Effiong had the first attempt on the resumption but his shot was off target.
On 56 minutes Hibernians took the lead when from a Jackson Lima corner, Soares headed on the first post towards Failla who with another header put the ball at the back of the net.
Balzan were shocked but pushed forward, with Hibernians dangerous in their breaks. Mbong failed to connect in front of goal to a Bezzina low cross and on 66 minutes Degabriele also failed to connect in front of goal.
On 73 minutes Effiong powered his way on the right and his cross was met by Paixao Alves whose shot went slightly wide. Four minutes from time Mintoff kept his side in the game with a fine save off a Bezzina drive.
Balzan pushed everything desperately forward but there was no way they could get past Hibernians’ defence as the outgoing champions handed Valletta their 24th title.