Russia round-up: Spartak made to work

Reigning Russian first division champions FC Spartak Moscow were made to fight in hot, thundery conditions before earning a 2-1 victory against lowly FC Torpedo-ZIL Moscow.

Kudrjashev at the double
After a quiet first half, Spartak went ahead on 48 minutes through 19-year-old Dmitri Kudrjashev, who converted Vasili Baranov's cross. Aleksei Sherstnyov equalised on the hour mark, but attacking midfield player Kudrjashev scored his fourth goal in two matches to clinch the win with 72 minutes gone with a long-range, deflected shot.

Zenit draw a blank
Struggling FC Alania Vladikavkaz picked up a vital 1-0 win against FC Zenit St. Petersburg thanks to a 44th-minute goal from Georgian forward Mikhail Ashvetija. Zenit forward Aleksandr Kerzhakov failed to score for the first time in eight matches - meaning he missed out on setting a new Russian first division record for goals in consecutive games.

Krylya boost
Fifth-placed FC Krylya Sovetov Samara kept in touch with the leaders by beating SC Rotor Volgograd 1-0, the goal in the 45th minute from Andrei Karyaka, a useful boost ahead of their UEFA Intertoto Cup tie against Willem II on Sunday.

Dynamo win again
FC Dinamo Moscow returned to winning ways a week after their 1-0 derby loss to Spartak with a 3-1 victory against FC Uralan Elista. The result - Dinamo's sixth triumph in seven matches - lifts them to sixth place.