Georgia round-up: Janashia sinks Torpedo

FC Torpedo Kutaisi's Georgian Premier League title hopes suffered another major jolt today after they lost 1-0 at home to FC Lokomotiv Tbilisi.

Two in a row
Torpedo, who had a seemingly vice-like grip on the Georgian crown a fortnight ago, saw their lead at the summit cut to just one point after Zaza Janashia's 34th-minute strike proved enough to hand the league leaders, who later had Giorgi Lomaia dismissed,  their second successive play-off defeat.

Solitary strike
Second-placed FC Dinamo Tbilisi took full advantage as they closed in on Torpedo with a 1-0 defeat of FC Kolkheti-1913 Poti, Mikhail Bobokhidze scoring the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute. In the other championship group game, FC Dinamo Batumi fell to a 2-1 home defeat against FC Merani-91 Tbilisi.

Melkadze double
In the relegation group, FC WIT Georgia Tbilisi virtually assured their safety with a 4-1 home win over FC Gorda Rustavi. Two goals from Levan Melkadze and further strikes from Mikhail Tskipurishvili and Zaza Sakhokia helped them open up an eight-point lead at the top.

Lost ground
In the remaining fixture, second-placed FC Sioni Bolnisi lost further ground on the leaders after a 3-1 reverse against FC Metalurgi Zestaponi. Goals from David Vardiashvili (20), Gocha Sulakazde (35) and Zviad Endeladze (67) gave the hosts a comfortable lead before Sioni struck a consolation goal 15 minutes from time.

Another defeat
FC Guria Lanchkhuti, the bottom club, continued their dismal form with a sixth successive defeat. Guria, who seem certain to be relegated, slumped 2-1 at home to FC Samgurali Tskaltubo, who lie third.