Jhonnattann scores four as Birkirkara defeat Naxxar

For Birkirkara, this was their thirteenth consecutive victory, which keeps them in a comfortable position at the top of the BOV Premier League standings, six points ahead of Valletta.

A win for Naxxar would have almost guaranteed a place in the Championship Pool, but this defeat still leaves them in a fight with Mosta and Balzan.

Birkirkara had to wait till the 18th minute before they took the lead. Frank Temile passed to Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao and the latter dribbled past a Naxxar defender to easily beat goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi with his shot.

Birkirkara doubled the score on the 27th minute. Haruna Shola Shodiya served Ryan Scicluna who then scored from close range.

In the second half, Birkirkara continued to dominate as they made it 3-0 on the 54th minute. Off a freekick by Edward Herrera, Alejandro Mendoza Corujo headed the ball home past goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi.

Four minutes later, Haruna Shola Shodiya made it 4-0 with his powerful shot from just outside the penalty area.

Horrible defending by Naxxar led to Birkirkara's fifth goal on the 61st minute. Jhonnattann dribbled past a Naxxar defender to then release a perfect shot from close range leaving no chance for goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi.

Naxxar finally managed to register a goal on the 69th minute. Off a cross by Angus Buhagiar, substitute goalkeeper Reuben Gauci lost his balance and that left the door open for Terrence Scerri who easily scored Naxxar's first goal of the match.

Birkirkara did not let Naxxar celebrate their goal for long as on the 74th minute the sixth goal arrived for the Stripes. Off a freekick by Paul Fenech into the area, Jhonnattann beat the Naxxr goalkeeper with his precise shot.

Two minutes later, Jhonnattann registered his fourth goal of the match when his shot from just outside the area went over goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi into the top corner of the net.

BIRKIRKARA Justin Haber (68' Reuben Gauci), Joseph Zerafa, Alejandro Mendoza, Nikola Vukanac (76' Zach Muscat), Jhonnattann Benites, Gareth Sciberras, Frank Temile (72' Ryan Camenzuli), Ryan Scicluna, Haruna Shola Shodiya, Paul Fenech Edward Herrera.
Subs not used: Leon Muscat, Daniel Zerafa, Terence Vella, Demba Toure.
Coach: Paul Zammit

NAXXAR LIONS Julian Azzopardi, Angus Buhagiar, Ryan Gilmour Cassar, Gilmar Da Silva Ribeiro, Andrew Decesare, Mattia Del Negro, Thiago Lopes de Souza (76' Milan Vignevic), David Alejandro Reano, Andre Rocha Da Silva, Terrence Scerri (74' Daren Falzon), Filip Stojanovic.
Subs not used: Luke Pecorella, Duane Bonnici, John Debono, Jurgen Debono, Yaron Sammut.
Coach: Winston Muscat

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi
Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Duncan Sultana
Fourth Official: Marco Borg
Yellow Cards: F. Stojanovic, F. Temile, M. Del Negro
Scorers: 18' Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao, 37' Ryan Scicluna, 54' Alejandro Mendoza, 58' Shodiya Haruna Shola, 61' Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao, 69' Terrence Scerri (N), 74' Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao, 76' Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao
BOV Player of the Match: Jhonnattann Benites