Naxxar stun leaders to earn precious point

Football - BOV Premier League

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In the first half, Balzan enjoyed slightly more possession, and attacked more than their opponents, but Naxxar did not stare at them either and also had their good moments, probably also creating the best scoring chances.

The Lions were also unlucky in this opening half as they were forced to make two substitutions after Ryan Grech and Yuri Messias were injured and could not continue playing.

In the second half, Balzan’s dominance brought a lot of pressure on the Naxxar fort, but Mendy, Ndoye and their teammates played courageously all the way to keep their fort intact.

The first goalmouth action arrived on 14 minutes and it was Balzan who threatened. Kaljevic set Effiong who advanced unhindered into the Naxxar area only to see his low effort going agonis- ingly wide of the upright.

At the other end, two minutes later, a Messias cross had Mintoff in difficulty, but the Balzan goalie did well to palm the ball away from danger.

In the 27th minute, Naxxar went even closer to taking the lead. Bonnici advanced on the left flank and crossed low for Yuri Messias to hit first time only for the ball to hit the crossbar. The ball went out to Jurgen Debono who hit well over the bar from an ideal position.

Messias was injured in this action and was even taken to hospital. He was replaced by Joel Ellul.

On 32 minutes, Jacob Borg’s low and dangerous cross was palmed out by goalie Nicht, just before Effiong could apply the finishing touch.

In the 40th minute, Lepovic set Kaljevic in the Naxxar area, but the latter’s shot was turned to corner in style by the diving Nicht.

Before the interval, Naxxar again went close when off a cross from the right, Cascaval headed goalwards and substitute Falzon anticipated goalie Mintoff only to see his header going just over the bar.

Balzan went all out in search of a goal at the start of the second half, but had to wait till the 66th minute to create the first scoring opportunity. From a Ryan Fenech freekick, Alves headed forward for Effiong to incredibly miss an open goal with a header.

Balzan continued to dominate, but chances were few and far between. On 69 minutes, Alves was thwarted by Nicht who saved.

Naxxar defended grimly, but in the 89th minute, Balzan missed a glorious chance when Paul Fenech came face to face with Nicht, but saw the Lions goalie blocking his attempt.

Just before the final whistle, following a Ryan Fenech freekick, it was Lepovic who saw his header going just over.

■ Lowly Naxxar Lions stunned League leaders Balzan yesterday holding them to a goalless draw as they earned a precious point in their quest to avoid relegation. Despite this setback, Balzan are assured of remaining leaders at least this weekend. On...