Sheriff Tiraspol and Iskra-Stal Rybnitsa have strengthened their lead in the Moldovan football championship after scoring clear victories in Round 23 of the National Division on Sunday. The Tiraspol-based club defeated Nistru Otaci, 4-0, while Iskra beat St.Gheorghe Suruceni 5-0, Info-Prim Neo reports. The two leaders will cross swords in the next round, but Sheriff's wide advantage gives the current champions enough comfort to remain calm. Dacia Chisinau seem to be distracted since the beginning of the second half of the season, remaining winless after the match with Dinamo as well. The goalless draw with the Bender-based club distances the Yellow Wolves further from the second spot. Dacia's unfortunate streak benefited Olimpia Balti and Zimbru Chisinau, which defeated 1-0 FC Tiraspol and Viitorul Orhei, respectively. With a new manager, Sergiu Sirbu, CSCA-Rapid Ghidighici lost 0-1 playing hosts to Academia UTM Chisinau. [Standings after Round 23:] 1. Sheriff – 56 points (23 matches); 2. Iskra-Stal – 49 (23); 3. Dacia – 45 (23); 4. Olimpia – 40 (23); 5. Zimbru – 39 (23); 6. CSCA-Rapid – 29 (23); 7. Academia – 29 (23); 8. Viitorul – 25 (23); 9. FC Tiraspol – 25 (23); 10. Dinamo – 21 (23); 11. St. Gheorghe – 15 (23); 12. Nistru – 11 (23). The fixtures for the next round on March 23 are the following : Nistru – Academia UTM; Viitorul – CSCA-Rapid; FC Tiraspol – Zimbru; Dinamo – Olimpia; St. Gheorghe – Dacia; Sheriff – Iskra-Stal.