Ventspils complete Latvian title hat-trick
Monday, October 20, 2008
Article summary
FK Ventspils took a third successive Latvian title after a 2-2 draw at Skonto FC on Sunday, with coach Roman Grigorchuk saying: "The third title was easier than the previous two, but no less pleasant or valuable for that."
Article top media content
Article body
Late penalty
The port city side confirmed their superiority with three games to play but were made to work hard by Skonto, who put in one of their best performances of the season. David Gamezardashvili headed the Riga side into the lead and while defender Saša Cilinšek levelled for Ventspils, Aleksejs Višņjakovs restored Skonto's lead, and they looked set to put their guests' champagne on ice for another week until Vits Rimkus converted an added time penalty to snatch a draw.
Skonto determined
"We are very happy to have won the title yet again," Ventspils coach Grigorchuk told uefa.com. "The third title was easier than the previous two, but no less pleasant or valuable for that." Skonto coach Paul Ashworth added: "I congratulate Ventspils on their title, and we will do everything to stay second." Skonto were helped in that bid for silver by FHK Liepajas Metalurgs, who dropped points at FK Dinaburg and now trail the Riga side by two points.