Slovenia round-up: Maribor enter comfort zone

NK Maribor extended their lead at the top of the table to six points today.

Pekic at the double
Two goals from Damir Pekic sealed a 2-0 win against NK Mura for the Slovenian title holders. Pekic fired home after 35 minutes and then made it two after half-time as Mura, who had Franc Cifer sent off midway through the second half, struggled to compete. The home side could have added more but the result leaves them firmly in control with only four matches remaining.

No joy for Koper
Second-placed NK Koper failed to keep up the pressure on Maribor as they were held to a goalless draw by NK Olimpija Ljubljana while NK Korotan came from a goal behind to claim a crucial 3-2 victory over NK Rudar Velenje which keeps them out of the relegation zone. The visitors fell behind after just eight minutes when Borut Arlic scored but two goals from Selvad Kujovic before half-time gave them the lead. Marko Kmetec made it 3-1 on 66 minutes and though Alen Mujanovic pulled one back, Korotan, who also had Tadej Steharnik sent off late on, hung on for victory.

Domzale go down again
Bottom-of-the-table NK Domzale suffered yet another defeat as NK Publikum won 3-1 at home. Dragan Cadikovski opened the scoring after 55 minutes and Andrej Kvas made it 2-0 eight minutes from time. Nenad Protega reduced the deficit in injury-time but the goal came too late as Publikum held firm.