A brace by Jhonattann Benites da Conceicao paved the way for a 3-1 win for Birkirkara over Sliema Wanderers as they registered a seventh consecutive win to move temporarily three points clear on top the BOV Premier League table. Hibernians, who were sharing the top spot with the Stripes, take on second-placed Valletta on Wednesday.

For Sliema, this was another disappointing result after they were held in a draw by Naxxar Lions during the weekend.

The Wanderers lacked Mark Scerri, Alessandro Rapino and Abubakar Bello-Osagie but Stanley Ohawuchi was back after recovering from an injury. Birkirkara, on the other hand, could not count on the injured Matheus Bissi da Silva.

The Stripes had a perfect start, taking the lead on the 9th minute when Shola Shodiya sent Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao through and the Brazilian striker fired the ball home with a rising shot.

Sliema replied with a Stefano Bianciardi effort from outside the area and then Trevor Cilia tested Justin Haber with a freekick from the left on 37 minutes.

Birkirkara doubled the score two minutes in the second half when off a long clearance by Nikola Vukanac, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino only managed to deflect the ball slightly, paving the way for Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao to advance into the area before hittin low past Henry Bonello.

Victory was beyond doubts on the 69th when Birkirkara scored the third goal. Off a cross by Jhonnattann from the right, Alejandro Mendoza Corujo chested the ball down for Nikola Vukanac to place the ball at the back of the net.

Justin Haber palmed out a Trevor Cilia freekick on the 77th minute in an isolated chance for the Wanderers.

Eight minutes from time, Sliema scored a consolation goal when they were awarded a penalty after Edward Herrera floored Pape Gueye inside the area. From the penalty spot, Ivan Woods converted.

SLIEMA Henry Bonello, Alex Muscat, John Mintoff, Stanley Ohawuchi, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Trevor Cilia, Pape Gueye, Paltemio Barbetti, Matias Muchardi, Beppe Muscat (65′ Ivan Woods), Stefano Bianciardi.
Subs not used: Glenn Zammit, Gabriel Aquilina, Jacob Borg, Axl Xuereb, Dylan Borg, Andrea Navarra.
Coach: Alfonso Greco

B’KARA Justin Haber, Rowen Muscat, Alejandro Mendoza, Nikola Vukanac, Paul Fenech, Joseph Zerafa, Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao (72′ Ryan Camenzuli), Edward Herrera, Haruna Shola Shodiya (78′ Gareth Sciberras), Terence Vella (84′ Demba Toure), Ryan Scicluna.
Subs not used: Reuben Gauci, Zach Muscat, Daniel Zerafa, Frank Temile.
Coach: Paul Zammit.

Referee: Chris Lautier
Assistant Referees: Sammy Attard, Peter Abela
Fourth Official: Philip Farrugia
Yellow Cards: Jhonnattann, Scicluna, Barbetti
Scorers: 9′ Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao, 47′ Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao, 69′ Nikola Vukanac, 82′ Ivan Woods pen
BOV Player of the Match: Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao
Attendance: 546