Beroe end final hoodoo
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
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Doncho Atanasov scored the winner as PFC Beroe Stara Zagora beat second tier PFC Chernomorets Pomorie in the Bulgarian Cup final − their first showpiece success in five attempts.
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It was fifth-time lucky as PFC Beroe Stara Zagora finally claimed the Bulgarian Cup, though they needed a last-minute goal from Doncho Atanasov to defeat second division PFC Chernomorets Pomorie 1-0 in Lovech.
Having lost four previous finals Beroe started this showpiece as massive favourites but the opportunity looked to be passing them by. Both sides had their chances, but with extra time looming Atanasov found himself all alone in the penalty area and, keeping his cool, slotted beyond goalkeeper Yanko Georgiev.
"I think we deserved the win," said Beroe coach Ilian Iliev. "It was a very hard game and we gave our all. Chernomorets played very solidly at the back and it was hard to break them down. The club and fans have had to wait 24 years for the second trophy in their cabinet [Beroe won the Bulgarian league title in 1985/86] and now we must all enjoy the moment, fans and players alike."