Armenia round-up: Pyunik move further ahead

It seems that nothing can stop FC Pyunik, as they moved closer to the Armenian Premier League title by beating FC Ararat Yerevan 1-0.

Early breakthrough
Ararat proved tough opponents for Pyunik but, having fallen behind, they failed to find a way back into the game. The only goal arrived in the second minute as Artavazd Karamyan beat Nenad Radaca with an excellent right-footed drive from 15 metres to give his side all three points.

Radaca in fine form
Despite the early setback, Ararat fought hard for the remainder of the match, with goalkeeper Radaca particularly outstanding, making a number of fine saves to deny Pyunik further goals.

Shirak setback
FC Shirak suffered a shock defeat, losing 1-0 at FC Zvartnots AAL, and now trail Pyunik by eight points with a game in hand. Levon Pachadyan scored the only goal of the game eleven minutes from time, but Shirak will have an early opportunity for revenge, as the two teams meet again in the league next week.

Banants go second
Meanwhile, FC Banants seized their chance to capitalize on Shirak's slip, moving into second by beating FC Kotayk 4-1. Elsewhere, Ara Hakobyan scored four times as FC Spartak Yerevan overcame FSC Lori 7-0, while Suren Barsegyan, the new coach of FC MIKA, celebrated a winning debut as his side beat FC Lernayin Artsakh 3-1. The game between FC Lernagorts and FC Dinamo-2000 Yerevan was postponed.