REIGNING Super League champions Silver Strikers whacked their capital city rivals Civo United 3-0 at a jam-packed Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.

They now have 43 points from 22 games.

Civo have themselves to blame as they launched some serial attacks inside the first 12 minutes through skilful Chawanangwa Kawonga who completely teared apart Silvers defence of Wonderful Geremani, Mustafa Salimu and Lucky Malata but did not take their chances.

Dimunitive striker Kawonga, who was voted man of the match, had a free header from captain Charles Ben's cross aim straight at goalkeeper Charles Swini in the 14th minute.

It was a wake up call for the bankers who responded through Chikondi Likwemba whose powerful header narrowly missed target.

Midway through the first half, Kawonga's personal bril¬liance failed to help the Civo grab the lead. Kawonga's brilliance was not complimented by teammates Martin Masoatheka and Davie Ng'ambi who had a poor game.

As the game was heading towards the break, Silver stamped their authority and created a couple of chances through Harvey Mkacha.

He saw his two efforts painfully put to safety by goalkeeper Innocent Phiri.

However, it was not surprising therefore, that Silver opened the score sheet in the 40th min¬ute through Frank Banda's low shot after Civo's defence went to sleep.

But Civo could have equalized after Kawonga's good run on the left flank fed Masoatheka whose last touch was however miserable.

Barely seven minutes into the second half, Civo pulled out Joseph Kachule who was making a comeback from a long injury and replaced him with Jabulani Linje.

In the second half, Civo struggled for control of the game and could not rediscover their first half form.

In the 56th minute, Silver's Ndaona Daisi had his thumping header cleared off the line by Wyson Nkana.

As the bankers continued pilling more pressure, they eventually grabbed a second through Mkacha's header in the 73rd minute.

Fearing more misery, Civo introduced Rodney Nsona for Lazarus Chirwa but their change had no impact.

With two minutes to full time, Mkacha snatched a brace after goalkeeper Phiri fumbled Banda's shot.

Following this defeat, Civo remain stuck on the sixth po¬sition with 35 points from 23 games.

Silver's coach Franco Nda¬wa praised his boys for remaining focused despite a poor start.

"Civo tried to get an early goal and were all over us but Iam happy that my players remained calm that they managed to score the goals," he said.

Civo's Thom Mkorongo, who guided the bankers in the first round 1-0 win over Silver, attributed the loss to lapses in defense.