Armenia: No-show helps Araks close gap

FC Lori forfeited their game at FC Araks in the Armenian Premier League on Saturday after failing to turn up for the match.

Leaders defeated
The fixture was recorded as a 3-0 victory for second-placed Araks, who trail leaders FC Pyunik by eight points. Pyunik slumped to a surprise 2-0 defeat at FC MIKA, who went in front through Karen Muradian in the 44th minute. Armen Shahgeldian sealed the win for Mika when he struck eleven minutes from time.

Cruised to win
FC Zvarnots AAL are third, behind Araks on goal difference, after they cruised to a 4-1 home win against FC Lernagorts. Miher Avenesian opened the scoring inside the first minute and Nver Khachatrian, Levon Mkrtchian and Sevada Arzumanian were also on target. Romik Simonian scored what turned out to be no more than a consolation for Lernagorts in the first half.

Comfortable victory
FC Shirak are fourth in the league following their comfortable 3-1 defeat of FC Kharabakh Yerevan. Andranik Barikian put Shirak ahead in the first half, and Tigran Davtian and Hovhannes Tahmazian sealed the victory. Kharabakh's solitary reply came from Arman Babayan nine minutes from time.

Kotaik still struggling
FC Kotaik remain next to bottom, behind Kharabakh on goal difference, after they were beaten 3-0 by FC Banants. Karen Navoyan, Mkrtich Hovhannisian and Gagik Simonian were all on target for the home side. FC Ararat Yerevan recorded a 1-0 home win over FC Dinamo-2000 Yerevan, with Aram Sargsian scoring two minutes before half time.