Gagra claim maiden Georgian Cup
Thursday, May 26, 2011
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FC Gagra have lifted the Georgian Cup for the first time, Sevast Todua's own goal proving decisive as they defeated two-time winners FC Torpedo Kutaisi 1-0 after extra time.
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Sevast Todua's extra-time own goal earned FC Gagra a 1-0 victory against two-time winners FC Torpedo Kutaisi in the Georgian Cup final.
Gagra, who suffered relegation in 2009, were buoyed by their return to the top division, where Torpedo finished fourth this season. Both sides failed to make the most of some good opportunities during the opening exchanges, with Georgi Gabedava rattling a post for Gagra before Tengiz Chikviladze struck the woodwork for Torpedo.
A goal-line clearance from Torpedo's Grigol Dolidze was the highlight of a quiet second half as the game headed into extra time. With the contest seemingly destined for penalties, Kutaisi hearts were broken by Todua's intervention.
"I'm yet to realise what we have achieved," said coach Anatoliy Piskovets after Gagra's first triumph in the competition. "This victory has granted us a place in the UEFA Europa League, but we'll also prepare for the top flight, to which we've just been promoted. We'll be looking for ways to strengthen the squad in the coming days. Our preparation time is strictly limited."
