Czech Republic round-up: Sparta stay on top

AC Sparta Praha kept pole position in the Czech 1. liga after a 2-0 win against bottom club FK Hradec Králové.

Changes to lineup
In an effort to return to winning ways after three straight draws, Sparta coach Jozef Jarabinský made several changes to his side and it proved effective, with Martin Petras scoring his first goal after a long injury layoff and Jozef Obajdin adding a second only two minutes after his arrival on the pitch.

Vachousek celebrates return
SK Slavia Praha took second spot by beating fellow UEFA Cup hopefuls FC Slovan Liberec. Stepán Vachousek celebrated his return to the national team with the only goal of an exciting encounter.

Pikl double
Encouraged by their own UEFA Cup triumph against Rangers FC, FK Viktoria Zizkov defeated 1. FC Synot 2-0 thanks to an Ales Pikl double. Tescoma Zlín ended the winning streak of new FK Teplice coach Frantisek Straka by winning 1-0, Jaroslav Svach heading the winner in injury time of the first half.

Fifth successive defeat
Newcomers SK Ceské Budìjovice fell to a fifth successive defeat, losing 2-0 against FK Chmel Blsany to increase the worries of coach Pavel Tobias. Tomás Pesír and Radek Cížek sealed victory for the home side.

Goalkeepers change
Slovakian goalkeeper Kamil Contofalský returned for Bohemians Praha against FK Jablonec but his side fell 3-1. Miroslav Vodehnal opened the scoring after six minutes and Ondrej Herzán added another two goals before Miroslav Obermaier pulled one back.

Gold substitution
FC Baník Ostrava jumped up to third place with a 2-1 win against FC Brno thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Václav Sverkos. Marila Pribram earned three points from a dull encounter against SK Sigma Olomouc, with Pavel Pergl scoring the only goal.