Santa Lucia bag first win as Balzan see off Sirens

Santa Lucia bagged their first win of the season at the ninth time of asking when they edged past Mosta 1-0 at the Centenary Stadium.

Adam Bradshaw turned out to be the Saints hero as the youngster fired home the winner on 21 minutes.

The Santa Lucia player did well to control a fine pass and beat goalkeeper David Akpan with a fine shot from inside the area.

Mosta tried to hit back by their efforts were ended ten minutes from time when Sasha Cachia was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Balzan broke little sweat to overcome Sirens 3-0 in the day’s final match at the National Stadium.

Oliver Spiteri’s team were on top right from the outset and took the lead on 18 minutes when Brazilian forward Leonardo showed great skill to control the ball inside the area, turn past goalkeeper Ini Akpan and fire the ball home.

The St Paul’s Bay outfit struggled to react and they found themselves two goals down on 45 minutes when Andrew Prates’ through ball found Paul Fenech who fired the ball home.

Sirens’ hopes were ended seven minutes into the secon half when Balzan were awarded a penalty and Leonardo kept his cool to fire the ball home.

SANTA LUCIA  1

Bradshaw 21

MOSTA            0

SANTA LUCIA

F. Celio, M. Elluli, T. Nagamatsu, A. Bradshaw, J. Pisani, J. Tanti (72 J. Carbone), N. Virano (62 Hulk), A. Piazza, P. Ramos, S. Xerri, Evandro.

MOSTA: D. Akpan, Gustavo, S. Cachia, A. Isah, D. Evans (57 T. Tegwi), P. Agbado, C. Nnaji, G. Sciberras (57 N. Ezikukwu), N. Agius (46 K. Tulimieri), J. Vassallo, Z. Brincat.

Referee: Ishmael Barbara.

Yellow cards Cachia, Hulk.

Red card: Cachia (M) 80.

BALZAN           3

Leonardo 18, 52 pen.

Fenech 45

SIRENS             0

BALZAN          

R. Briffa, I. Bozovic, A. Prates, S. Arab (76 P. Olawale), M. Grima, P. Fenech (76 B. Hili), R. Michibuchi, A. Katanic (64 O. Awosanya), N. Braunovic, Leonardo, A. Andrejic.

SIRENS

In. Akpan, T. Bettim (64 H. Gomda), P. Owusu (70 N. Guylherme), N. Pulis, F. Boateng, C. Agyemang (46 D. Agius), H. Akadom (64 B. Asare), A. Cini, S. Borg, K. Donsu, D. Jackson (64 J. Borg).

Referee Ezekiel Barbara.

Yellow card Hili.