Slender lead for Zrinjski

By Fuad Krvavac

Heavy snow has delayed the resumption of the league campaign in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The first round of the spring programme was due to take place on 26 February, but has been postponed until 5 March. Despite the delay, the season will finish as planned on 28 May.

Winter warmers
The harsh winter has diverted the majority of clubs to prepare abroad or in the south of the country. Numerous friendly matches have been played against teams from neighbouring Croatia or Serbia and Montenegro to keep the players in shape for their return to action.

Title duel
NK Zrinjski and NK Željeznicar are competing for the championship, with the former just two points ahead. Second-placed Željeznicar, however, go into the second part of the season with a new coach in the form of Ivo Ištuk.

Narrow gap
Ištuk sees no reason why his side cannot overhaul the frontrunners if they continue their good form of the autumn: "The advantage of the leaders is not unassailable. We have the will and the means to grab our fourth title," he said.

Home comfort
Zrinjski coach Franjo Dzidic believes playing host to their closest challengers will give them the edge in the run-in. He said: "We have a slight advantage since Željeznicar will visit us in this part of the season and that will be our chance to stay on top."

Ambitious Brijeg
Defending champions NK Široki Brijeg are not abandoning their title aspirations either, despite being nine points behind the leaders in third spot. Široki Brijeg are also targeting the Bosnia-Herzegovnian Cup, which may be a more realistic goal. They will take part in the semi-finals along with FK Sarajevo, Zrinjski and FK Slavija Sarajevo on 10 March.

Chasing pack
Elsewhere, NK Orašje, FK Modrica and NK Posušje are also in contention for a top-three finish, while NK Travnik, FK Leotar, FK Borac Banjaluka and Sarajevo have only achieved mid-table respectability so far this term.

Relegation scrap
FK Rudar Ugljevik and NK Celik prop up the table, while FK Buducnost Banovici, FK Sloboda Tuzla, NK Zepce and Slavija all run the risk of relegation if their form does not improve. Finally, Široki Brijeg's Pecara stadium will host its first international with the Under-21 friendly between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia on 2 March.