Shkëndija extended their impeccable run in the Macedonian First League with a 2-0 victory over Sileks on Thursday. The away side moved clear at the top of the table after five matches, all of them won. Sileks fell to a second defeat in as many weeks following a heavy loss to Vardar earlier in the month.
Shkëndija took the lead in the 53rd minute when A. Meljichi found the back of the net. Their advantage was confirmed in the 88th minute through F. Ndzengue. There was an earlier chance for B. Ibraimi that was cancelled by video review in the 35th minute, a moment that could have shifted the momentum.
Sileks dominated possession at 54 per cent and registered six shots on target, yet they could not convert. Shkëndija were more clinical with five shots on target. The visitors also controlled the tempo, keeping their shape and picking up two bookings in five minutes to see out the game.
Five substitutions were made during the second half, with Shkëndija bringing on A. Mishov and M. Delimedjac around the hour mark. Sileks responded with changes of their own, including B. Ibraimi in the 68th minute as they pushed for a reply. The home side added three yellow cards to their tally, while the visitors received two.
The result leaves Shkëndija 15 points from five games, still unbeaten. Sileks sit fourth with seven points after two wins, one draw and two losses. They will need to regroup quickly, especially after the contrast between their 6-0 win over Bashkimi and the 1-4 defeat to Vardar.