Birkirkara ease past helpless Mosta

Birkirkara disposed of Mosta in the most comfortable of ways scoring three goals to temporarily move six points ahead of third placed Valletta.

It was all easy for Paul Zammit’s men as they stormed ahead with two goals inside the first half an hour of play, and from then onwards it was only a question of whether they would be adding more goals against their opponents.

For Mosta this was their third defeat in five matches, leaving them just two points ahead of Pieta and Zebbug and three ahead of Naxxar and Tarxien.

Paul Zammit opted to make two changes from their last game against Naxxar as Joseph Zerafa was making his first start since returning to the club earlier this month replacing Edmond Agius.  Rafael Ledesma was replacing Nassir Maachi.

Birkirkara went in front after 17 minutes when after a good run on the right flank, Edward Herrera served the unmarked Ryan Camenzuli who had no trouble in putting the ball into the net.

The Stripes doubled the score before the half hour an insidious effort from Camenzuli hit the upright and off the rebound, Rafael Ledesma controlled the ball before slotting past keeper Omar Borg.

Five minutes before the break, it was again Camenzuli trying his luck with a powerful shot which was partially held by Borg but couldn’t keep the ball and off the rebound, Paul Fenech served Camenzuli once again who missed the target.

The second half was devoid of any exciting goal scoring opportunities as Birkirkara easily controlled their opponents dictating play without any significant pressure.

Herrera however could have added a third a few minutes after the restart when after being put clear by the hard working Zerafa, he failed to hit the target with only the keeper to beat.

Birkirkara sealed the issue with a third goal seven minutes from time with substitute Nassir Maachi being involved in a good move on the left flank with an inviting pass to Edmond Agius who tapped the ball to Haruna Shola Shodiya to slam the ball home.

Referee: Mario Apap

BOV Man of the Match: Edward Herrera