Lokomotiv pounce for silverware
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Article summary
PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv won the reinstated Bulgarian Super Cup after beating PFC Litex Lovech 1-0 in Burgas.
Article body
Second edition
The trophy had only been played for once before, when PFC CSKA Sofia triumphed in 1989, but the Bulgarian Professional Football League decided to revive the event. And it was the league champions who prevailed against the Bulgarian Cup winners after a tight contest.
Paskov winner
Litex, who finished fourth in the league last season, were awarded a 37th-minute penalty when new Brazilian signing Joãzinho was brought down but the spot-kick was saved. Then, in second-half added time, Lokomotiv captain Ivan Paskov headed in Ivo Mihailov's corner to claim the trophy.
Coach's joy
Lokomotiv coach Eduard Eranossian, whose side lost 2-0 to Club Brugge KV in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round in midweek and stage the second leg on Wednesday, said: "I am happy with the win. This trophy means a lot to us. This is only the second Super Cup final and I hope that this tournament will now become an annual event."
'Morale boost'
He added: "The win also gives us a morale boost for the upcoming Champions League game against Brugge. Against the Belgian side we have nothing to lose and will try to play our best."
