O'Connor brings cup to Lokomotiv
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Article summary
FC Lokomotiv Moskva have won the fifth Russian Cup in their history after beating city rivals FC Moskva 1-0 thanks to an extra-time goal by Garry O'Connor.
Article body
Ivanović acrobatics
The Railway Men dominated from the early stages, with Serbia international Branislav Ivanović finding the net with a magnificient overhead kick after eight minutes only to see his effort ruled out for offside. Dmitri Sychev, Ivanović, Roman Kontsedalov and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov all wasted further chances in the first half as Lokomotiv tried to press home their advantage.
Bystrov threatens
Moskva replied with a dangerous shot by Petr Bystrov on 58 minutes but Eldin Jakupovic proved equal to it. Lokomotiv then regained their hold on the game, with Sychev a constant threat in front of Yuri Zhevnov's goal. The Belarus international keeper kept his side in the game until extra time, when on 103 minutes Sychev escaped his markers on the left wing and fed O'Connor, who gratefully tapped the ball home from five meters.
Byshovets triumph
This is the first trophy won by Lokomotiv under Anatoli Byshovets and their first since 2004. Moskva's defeat means FC Zenit St. Petersburg have qualified for next season's UEFA Cup as the fourth-placed team in Russia this season, while FC Rubin Kazan are eligible for the UEFA Intertoto Cup.