Stargorodsky wins Shakhtyor the Belarusian Cup

Artem Stargorodsky's goal gave FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk a 1-0 win against FC Neman Grodno in the Belarusian Cup final at the new Borisov Arena.

Though both sides had featured in several finals before, each club's sole previous win had come at least a decade ago. In the end, 2004 winners Shakhtyor overcame the 1993 holders, though both teams knew before the game their 2014/15 UEFA Europa League second qualifying round berths were secure thanks to their 2013 league finishes.

Shakhtyor have started the new league season far better than Neman and were on top from the off, with Ukrainian midfielder Stargorodsky troubling Neman goalkeeper Aleksandr Sulima several times before finding a way through on 35 minutes, the 32-year-old scoring with his fourth effort on goal. Neman had to open up, but Shakhtyor continued to have the better chances.

"We achieved one of our main targets for the season," said Shakhtyor coach Sergei Borovski. "I am grateful to the lads and the fans. This victory is our gift to the city of Soligorsk. Now we have to prepare ourselves for other tasks that lie ahead.

"We could have scored more, we could have conceded, but what I like about the cup is that the games are emotional, with danger from both sides," Borovski added. "Maybe we will buy some champagne on our way home. We did not buy any beforehand."