Kaunas hit the heights again

FBK Kaunas have matched FK Inkaras's record of seven Lithuanian titles after securing this season's gold medals with four matches remaining.

Record total
Founded in December 1993, the club took their first crown in 1999 under the name FK Žalgiris Kaunas and then the next five championships in their current incarnation. They slipped up last term to allow FK Ekranas to triumph but have now equalled the now-defunct Inkaras's milestone to confirm their standing in Lithuania.

Huge lead
Ekranas's chances of defending their title evaporated quickly this season, and three-quarters of the way through the campaign, Kaunas held an 18-point lead at the top of the table, and even though they have been less impressive in recent months, Kaunas never lost their grip.

Hearts move
"The team were very well prepared for the season physically and gave steady performances," said coach Eugenijus Riabovas, who took charge in July after his predecessor Eduard Malofeev moved to Heart of Midlothian FC, the Scottish side which is also owned by Kaunas's benefactor Vladimir Romanov.

Player drain
Hearts had a role to play in Kaunas's declining form towards the end of the campaign, with Riabovas's men losing some of their sting when 14-goal top scorer Andrius Velička switched to Edinburgh along with midfielders Marius Žaliukas and Kestutis Ivaškevicius, while centre-back Irmantas Zelmikas joined Ukraine's SC Tavriya Simferopol.

'Team chemistry'
"After so many regulars went to other clubs it took us time to achieve the right chemistry," said Riabovas. "On top of that, our first-choice goalkeepers Eduardas Kurskis and Mindaugas Malinauskas both sustained injuries. Georgian defensive midfielder Givi Kvaratskhelia also took time to recover from injury. September was especially tough for us, but the boys got themselves together and finished the job."

Champagne time
Veterans Tomas Kancelskis and Nerijus Radžius will be rested in the last four games of the term, with Riabovas giving fringe players an opportunity to prove themselves. "This doesn't mean the league is over for us," said the coach. "We must finish the season well, like true champions. It's only then that the time for champagne will come. It's too early to celebrate the title."