Msida SJ continued their winning streak beating Pieta with three first half goals to keep their hundred per cent record at the top of the table. It was an easy win against a disappointing Pieta side that failed to score for the third game in succession.

Pieta even missed a penalty in the second half, as Msida were reduced to ten players as Daniel Nwoke was sent off. But still Patrick Curmi’s boys were by far better than their opponents. Without setting any houses on fire Msida scored their goals in a 20-minute spell in the second part of the first half to put the issue beyond doubt.

As usual Msida were solid in midfield and defence and fast in attack with Babatunde above the rest. Nwoke, expulsion apart, was in a rather subdued form.

Pieta once again failed miserably and are still pointless at the bottom of the table and their prospects of a good season look bleak indeed.

Msida fielded the same eleven that demolished champions Birkirkara, apart from the suspended Zongo, who was replaced by Dino Cachia, who was surely one of the best players on the field. Pieta had the in-form Martin Deanov as their sole striker supported by Debono on the right and Calleja on the left.

Pieta started the match in an aggressive manner and Msida failed to settle down. On seven minutes Camenzuli headed wide a Kondev free-kick. A minute later Msida had their first attempt with a Babatunde free-kick well saved by Hogg.

Slowly but surely Msida started to get hold of the midfield sector with Babatunde’s powerful runs on the right flank. On 19 minutes a Baldacchino cross from the left created havoc in the Pieta rearguard, with Nwoke’s final header saved by defender Camenzuli. A minute later Daniel Nwoke seemed to handle the ball before shooting low with the ball missing the target.

Msida’s goal was in the air and on 21 minutes the leaders broke the deadlock. A Dino Cachia corner from the right was first-timed beautifully into the net by Babatunde. The match went through a quite period until Msida doubled the score on 37 minutes. Scriha’s cross was not adequately cleared and Rodrick Baldacchino hammered the ball home.

On 44 minutes Msida were on velvet when Nwoke controlled a long ball from midfield and Babatunde romped in to slam the ball home past a helpless Hogg.

The second half was less intense with Pieta enjoying some moments of territorial superiority.Defender Camenzuli was again their most dangerous man going near with a good header. On the hour Pieta had their best chance of scoring their first goal of the season when Deanov was brought down inside the area by Mifsud, but from the resultant penalty keeper Borg saved Deanov’s shot.

Msida received a setback for their forthcoming matches when they lost Daniel Nwoke who was sent off for a nasty tackle on Tasca. In the last minutes Pieta increased their pressure in search of a consolation goal but Borg twice denied Deanov. On the other end Babatunde continued to be a constant menace and went close with a shot going over the bar.

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Pieta H : A. Hogg, B. Sciberras, A. Tasca, M. Deanov, C. Calleja, C. Sammut, D. Camenzuli, S. Kondev, A. Debono (C. Camilleri), D. Mifsud (E. Herrera), D. Okonkwo.

Msida SJ: O. Borg, P. Scriha, S. Grima (A. Farrugia), T. Farrugia, J. Mifsud, P. Fenech, P. Pullicino, I. Babatunde, D. Nwoke, D. Cachia (C. Sciberras), R. Baldacchino.

Referee: C. Lautier, asst. refs: M. Debono, P. Apap, 4th official: A. Arciola.

Scorers: I. Babatunde (2) , R. Baldacchino

Yellow cards: S. Grima, P. Fenech, C. Calleja, J. Mifsud,

Red card: D. Nwoke

Player of the match: Ibrahim Babatunde (Msida SJ)

TMI top three: 1. I. Babatunde 2. P. Fenech 3. D. Cachia