Russia round-up: Spartak slip in Sokol
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Article summary
FC Spartak Moscow remain two points off the lead after they were held by FC Sokol Saratov.
Article body
Moses leads revival
Second-placed Spartak were shocked by goals from Ruslan Baltiev and Alan Sakiev during a nightmare first half against the Premier-Liga’s basement club. But Brazilian midfield player Moses provided the second-half lifeline which Russian international Vladimir Beschastnykh grabbed with both hands with an 89th-minute equaliser.
League standings
With 43 points from 21 matches, defending champions Spartak trail Lokomotiv, who have a game in hand, by two points. PFC CSKA Moscow are third on 39 points from 18 matches.
Nod in the right direction
On Saturday, meanwhile, FC Alania Vladikavkaz recorded their first away win of the season with a surprise 1-0 victory at FC Dinamo Moscow. Igor Tarlovsky secured three deserved points after nodding in Georgi Demetradze’s free-kick on 33 minutes.
Zenit peak
Elsewhere, FC Zenit St. Petersburg moved into sixth place after holding out for a 2-1 home success against FC Uralan Elista. Zenit struck twice on the break in the second half through Alexander Spivak and Dmitry Makarov before Dmitri Semochko grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.
Torpedo fire
FC Torpedo Moscow prevailed in the mid-table battle against FC Shinnik Yaroslavl thanks to goals from Sergey Kormiltsev and Igor Lebedenko, while there was stalemate between second-bottom FC Torpedo-ZIL Moscow and FC Saturn Moscow Region.
Karyaka on song
Finally, Andrey Karyaka scored twice to give FC Krylya Sovetov Samara a 2-0 win at FC Anzhi Makhachkala and lift his team into fourth place in the table.
