SLIEMA WANDERERS-1, BIRKIRKARA-3
Birkirkara took full advantage of Valletta's failure to beat Mosta as the champions eased past Sliema Wanderers to go five points clear at the top of the table.
It was another commanding display from Birkirkara who outsmarted Sliema in every department to the point that the game was as good as over as a contest with only 12 minutes of the second half gone after Jhonnattann had fired the Stripes 3-1up.
Birkirkara's early pressure produced an opener after 12 minutes. There seemed little danger for Sliema when Birkirkara p the ball towards the edge of the box but Edward Herrera turned superbly before producing a thumping drive that came off the underside of the crossbar and dropped into the net.
Sliema initially struggled to make a reaction but improved as the first half moved on.
Bonello saved Shola Haruna's close-range flick after good work by Herrera on the right wing.
Sliema had the ball in the net when Alex Muscat's swerving effort sailed into the net but referee Adrian Azzopardi had stopped play for a foul by Ohawuchi. The Nigerian's low shot was then stopped by Justin Haber.
Bonello did the same, pushing away Haruna's close-range drive.
The score became even on the half-hour. Ohawuchi used his speed to drift infield from the left before ramming past Haber.
Four minutes from half-time, Birkirkara regained the lead, Paul Fenech beating Bonello with a glancing header after Zach Muscat's cross had soared over the Sliema defence.
Birkirkara would have increased their lead in the opening minute of the second half had it not been for Bonello who palmed away Jhonnattann's flick.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Birkirkara moved 3-1 up. It was an excellent move as Jhonnattann nudged the ball to Muscat who returned the ball to the Brazilian with a clever back-heel. Jhonnattann swept into the box before beating Bonello with a perfect shot.
Ohawuchi might have narrowed the deficit for Sliema but his drive from the distance ended over the crossbar.
The Stripes threatened to extend their lead but Nikola Vukanac's header, from Jhonnattann's corner, was warded off by Bonello.
Haber then blocked a low shot from Trevor Cilia who had come on for Kane Farrugia but it was Birkirkara who continued to produce the better opportunities. Haruna traded passes with Herrersa whose close-range effort was stopped by Bonello. The danger refused to go away for Sliema as Jhonnattann laid the ball back for Scicluna who blasted high.