Levski and CSKA frustrated
Monday, November 3, 2003
Article summary
Best of the rest: A Sofia stalemate helped PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv while GIF Sundsvall celebrated in Sweden.
Article body
Gargorov opener
The 1-1 draw between PFC Levski Sofia and PFC CSKA Sofia at the Georgi Asparuhov stadium was actually decided in the space of 60 seconds. Emil Gargorov put CSKA ahead in the 53rd minute only for Todor Kolev to equalise almost immediately after the restart. Second-placed CSKA finished with ten men after Hristo Yanev was dismissed in the 76th minute.
Pushing clear
Lokomotiv are now five points clear after their 2-1 victory at PFC Cherno More Varna. However, they needed a late goal from Martin Kamburov to make sure of the points. In fourth place, PFC Slavia Sofia were 3-1 winners at PFC Rodopa Smolian.
Nervous encounter
Sundsvall made sure of a place in the Swedish Allsvenskan next season by completing a two-legged victory against BK Häcken. Having won 2-1 away, Sundsvall went into the home match with every confidence. However, Ivico Skiljo scored for Häcken just before half-time which meant Sundsvall only held a slender advantage by virtue of their two away goals.
Walker thrilled
Sundsvall striker Jonas Wallerstedt was sent off ten minutes from time but his side managed to hang on until the final whistle. Coach Patrick Walker said: "This feels fantastic and means we can start all over next season. It feels like we've been given a second chance and we'll take it."
Danish talent
Brøndby IF are still going well in Denmark, following a 2-0 victory at FC Midtjylland. Youngsters Jonas Kamper and Thomas Kahlenberg did the damage with a goal apiece in the club's sixth straight league victory. Esbjerg fB remain two points behind after an excellent 1-0 success at third-placed FC København. Tommy Bechmann, another talented young Danish player, scored the only goal on nine minutes.
Gomel nearly there
In Belarus, defending champions FC Gomel moved to within one victory of retaining their title. Gomel beat FC Slavia Mozyr 4-1 to make sure of at least second spot and now lead FC Dinamo Minsk by four points with two rounds remaining. Meanwhile, FC BATE Borisov made it ten consecutive wins with a 1-0 success at FC Dinamo Brest, who have not won for 16 matches.
All to play for
The front two in Croatia remain neck and neck. Leaders NK Dinamo Zagreb lead on goal difference after winning 3-1 at NK Marsonia, despite having Damir Krznar sent off in the 28th minute. Second-placed HNK Hajduk Split won 1-0 at home against NK Kamen Ingrad after a solitary strike from Dejan Racunica. Finally, Armenian club FK Klikia Yerevan won a place in the top flight by beating FK Nork-Marash 4-0 to ensure promotion.