Vardar reclaim FYROM title in style

FK Vardar have clinched their seventh Macedonian First League title courtesy of a convincing 5-0 victory against rivals FK Turnovo on the final day of the season.

Going into the decisive encounter two points clear of second-placed Turnovo, Blagoja Milevski's side needed just a point to be crowned champions for a second successive season.

There was to be no settling for a draw, however, as the Red and Blacks retained the title with panache. After a remarkable campaign in which village outfit Turnovo mounted a sustained challenge, hosts Vardar went ahead through Borce Manevski on 17 minutes. League top scorer Jovan Kostovski doubled the advantage from the penalty spot shortly after the half-hour and Aco Stojkov's second-half volley increased the deficit, before Filip Petrov made it four and Stojkov added his second.

"First of all, I would like to say thanks to our supporters, who cheered us throughout the whole season, especially when things were not going so well for us in the league," said victorious coach Milevski. "I also want to give my sincerest congratulations to my players, who deservedly won the title and proved for a second year running that they are the best in Macedonia."

The success means Vardar will line up once again in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, while Turnovo will compete on the European stage for the first time. They will enter UEFA Europa League qualifying, despite being beaten to second spot as FK Metalurg Skopje defeated FK Bregalnica Stip 3-2 to finish runners-up.