Birkirkara, as was expected, found little difficulty in disposing of lowly and sorry Mosta, to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League.

The result, which could have been even bigger, leaves no shadow of doubt as to the difference between the sides. Birkirkara confirmed that they are the team of the moment as they strolled with ease against a demotivated lot.

For the Stripes Etienne Barbara confirmed his magic moment creating havoc whenever he got hold of the ball, scoring a brace. Other players who stood out for Stephen Azzopardi’s boys were Michael Galea, who scored a poker while William Camenzuli also had a fine performance.

The highlight of the match was the injury of referee Paul Caruana who limped off early in the second half and his duties were carried on by the fourth official Kevin Azzopardi.

The Stripes had regular goalkeeper David Simon missing, reportedly injured, with Bernard Paris taking his place. Mosta were depleted especially in attack with, Udo Nwoko missing and Dyson Falzon suspended.

This left coach Charles Agius with few options up front, with Philip Camilleri joining Chibueze in attack. However this partnership never put the Birkirkara defence under pressure.

From the initial whistle Birkirkara took the initiative and surged forward in search of an early goal.

On seven minutes a Michael Galea skimmed the base of the upright and two minutes later the same Galea tried his luck with another freekick which was blocked with difficulty by Matthew Farrugia.

However on 11 minutes Birkirkara broke the deadlock when Lino Galea passed to Etienne Barbara who ran through on the left and beat Farrugia from an acute angle.

After this goal the Stripes held the initiative for long stretches but failed to be dangerous. The monotony was broken ten minutes from the break when a dangerous free-kick by Pio Scriha was brilliantly saved by Bernard Paris

Three minutes from time Michael Galea put the issue beyond any doubt when his free-kick deflected by Matthew Bartolo finished in the top corner of the net.

On 58 minutes Birkirkara increased their lead when Etienne Barbara nodded down to the unmarked Michael Galea who shot low into the net.

Mosta goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia came to his side’s rescue on two occasions first blocking a William Camenzuli dipper, and then blocking a close range shot from substitute Mifsud Triganza.

Farrugia was again called in action blocking a header from Barabara following a Galea cross from the right. Barabara missed a sitter on 68 minutes following a Camenzuli pass.

The fourth goal came on 70 minutes when Etienne Barbara anticipated goalkeeper Farrugia to score in an empty net.

On 77 minutes William Camenzuli’s corner was deflected in by Michael Galea to net a hat-trick and the fifth goal for the leaders.

In the dying minutes substitute Bilocca was unlucky for Mosta when he hit the crossbar following an Okonkwo pass.

On 90 minutes referee Azzopardi was rather harsh when he awarded Birkirkara a penalty for a handling infringement and from the penalty spot Michael Galea scored his fourth goal.

In the dying seconds Yanchev went close when his header slammed against the crossbar.

Birkirkara: B. Paris, M.A. Bonnici (J.P. Mifsud Triganza), L. Galea, P. Monye, W. Camenzuli, E. Barbara, M. Galea, R. Briffa (M. Calascione), K. Scicluna (R. Sammut), G. Mallia, E. Yanchev.

Mosta: M. Farrugia, P. Scriha, M. Bartolo, I. Chibueze, M. Borg, D. Okonkwo, P. Camilleri (M. Brincat), R. Newell, S. Borg (J. Grech), C. Attard, M. Spasic (I. Bilocca).

Scorers: E. Barbara 2, M. Galea 4 (1 pen)

Referee: P. Caruana, Asst. refs.: J. Rapa, J. Camilleri, 4th official: K. Azzopardi

Yellow card: K. Scicluna

Player of the match: Michael Galea (Birkirkara)

TMI top three: 1. E. Barbara 2. M. Galea 3. W. Camenzuli