Birkirkara-Mosta 4-0

Birkirkara: J. Haber, Z. Muscat, N. Vukanac, J. Zerafa (R. Camenzuli), S. Haruna Shola (F. Temile), A. Mendoza, J. Benites, P. Fenech, E. Herrera, R. Calheira Seara, R. Scicluna (D. Zerafa).

Mosta: O. Borg, T. Farrugia, M. Brincat, M. Micallef, A. Carrozza, R. Ekani, R. Grech (R. Faria), GM Piccioni (D. Pereira), B. Kaljevic, I. Grech (K. Zammit), I. Zammit.

Referee: P. Caruana

Asst refs: E. Spiteri, L. Portelli

4th official: M. Spiteri.

Scorers: J. Zerafa, J. Benites 2, N. Vukanac

Yellow cards: R. Scicluna, J. Haber, E. Herrera, Z. Muscat, A. Carrozza,

Red cards:

Player of the match: J. Benites

TMI Top 3: 1. E. Herrera, 2. J. Benites, 3. P. Fenech.

Attendance: 821

Championship leaders Birkirkara powered their way to another convincing victory yesterday beating Mosta 4-0.

In the process they maintained their three-point lead at the top over Valletta, who also won yesterday evening against Hibernians.

The Stripes turned in one of their best performances of the season as they annihilated a Mosta side which had been showing improvement since coach Piccioni took over – before yesterday’s game, they were unbeaten in the league under his charge winning all their six league matches.

But yesterday, there was no stopping the Stripes who showed their intentions by taking control almost from the very first whistle and never relinquished their hold on the match.

Birkirkara had Gareth Sciberras missing through suspension. Mosta had Ekani returning instead of Kurt Zammit while Dyson Falzon remained out.

Despite the absence of Sciberras in midfield, Birkirkara still appeared strong in that sector with Edward Herrera, Paul Fenech and Shodiya Haruna Shola in top form. In fact, they were in control after taking an early lead which they consolidated with a second goal midway through the half. They then went on to add another two in the second half.

Mosta had an aggressive start, but they never appeared dangerous in front of Haber who had a relatively easy 45 minutes. Once they found themselves in arrears, the Blues seemed to have been tamed.

They continued to dominate proceedings in the second half where they played with great confidence. In fact, they created numerous chances and could have scored more goals than the two they netted.

As for Mosta, it was a very disappointing performance. They simply lived in a different street to that of the Stripes. In fact, after the opening few minutes, they were no match for a superior side which continues to march triumphantly at the top.

In the third minute, a Benites freekick bounced awkwardly in front of the Mosta goal, but Borg was not deceived as he palmed the ball to a corner. 

Birkirkara opened the scoring on 11 minutes. And what another fine goal it was – as those scored last week against Balzan. Shola Shodiya set Joseph Zerafa in three quarters pitch. The latter advanced into the Mosta area and after avoiding a tackle, beat Borg with a splendid fiery rising shot.

On 21 minutes, it was Paul Fenech who crossed into the Mosta goal, but for Herrera, it was just high.