Bosnia-Herzegovina round-up: Zeljeznicar hold their nerve
Saturday, March 30, 2002
Article summary
FK Zeljeznicar maintained their ten-point lead with a 2-1 win against NK Olimpik Sarajevo.
Article body
FK Zeljeznicar maintained their ten-point lead at the top of the table with their 13th victory in 20 matches.
Zeljeznicar triumphant
The league leaders picked up a 2-1 victory against local rivals NK Olimpik Sarajevo today courtesy of two first-half goals from Ivica Huljev. Huljev put the visitors 1-0 up from the penalty spot after 18 minutes only to see it cancelled out three minutes later by Edis Cindrak's equaliser. Zeljeznicar were not to be denied the points though and Huljev clinched the win with his second five minutes before half-time.
Brotnjo battle on
Second-placed NK Brotnjo continued their stubborn pursuit of the pace-setters and ensured new FK Sloboda Tuzla coach Mirza Hadzic got his reign off to a losing start. Brotnjo recorded a comfortable 2-0 home win against the mid-table side, who appointed Hadzic this week following the resignation of Suad Kalesic on Monday. Miljenko Sevelj's 27th-minute penalty and an Elvis Coric goal five minutes from time secured the victory.
Široki on fine form
NK Široki Brijeg ensured they stayed level on points with Brotnjo by defeating FK Velez 3-0 at home. Goals from Ivan Lovrekovic and Robert Loncar gave the hosts a well-deserved half-time lead before Miro Katic's 51st-minute strike capped a fine performance.
Orašje stumble in Zenica
In Zenica, NK Orašje slipped from fourth to sixth after slumping to a surprising 2-0 defeat at lowly NK Celik. The match was won in five first-half minutes after goals from Senad Brkic in the 40th minute and Mustafa Hasanspahic on the stroke of half-time put the hosts firmly in control.
Joy for Bosna in Visoko
NK Bosna gave their survival hopes a boost with a 2-0 home win against relegation rivals NK Iskra. Goals from Amir Cosic and a Nudzein Geca penalty saw Bosna move off the bottom of the table. They were replaced by NK Grude, who were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at fellow strugglers NK Jedinstvo. Meanwhile, FK Sarajevo moved up to fourth courtesy of their 2-1 win over NK Posušje and HŠK Zrinjski went fifth thanks to a 2-0 home success against NK Troglav.
