Hungary round-up: Ferencváros closing in

Ferencvárosi TC have closed the gap on leaders MTK Hungária FC at the top of the Hungarian First Division to just two points, thanks to a 4-0 win over Siófoki BSE on Friday night.

Deflected shot
In clash between two former Hungary coaches, Jozsef Garami of Ferencváros emerged triumphant over opposite number Janos Csank. Ferencváros took the lead in the 25th minute through Peter Lipcsei's deflected shot, but had to wait until 13 minutes from time to extend their lead, when Lipcsei headed a cross into the net for his second.

Comfortable victory
The goal ended Siófok’s hopes, and two further goals from substitute Attila Szili put the seal on an emphatic win. A delighted Garami said: “The visitors made it hard in the first half, but in the second we dominated.”
 
Penalty save
Leaders MTK were held to a goalless draw by Videoton FC Fehérvár, Videoton goalkeeper Árpád Milinte saving Béla Illés' 75th-minute penalty to ensure his side won a point.

Exciting draw
Debreceni VSC, who began the day in third place, were also held, drawing 3-3 at home to MFC Sopron. Zoltán Böör gave the home side the lead with an early penalty, only for former Debrecen player István Sira to equalise a minute before the hour. Another penalty, this time converted by Zoltán Kiss, restored Debrecen’s lead, but Sira immediately equalised again. Péter Bajzát looked to have given the home side all three points, only for Mihály Tóth to snatch a point for Sopron with five minutes remaining.

Goals galore
Györi ETO FC took advantage of Debrecen’s slip to move into third thanks to a 5-2 win over Békéscsabai EFC, a result that leaves Békéscsaba bottom of the table with only three points. Two early goals from captain Károly Szanyó put the home side in control and, although Ademar Brage pulled a goal back, further strikes from Branko Hucika, Jurica Karabatic and a late goal from Attila Baumgartner meant András Keresztúri’s late effort was meaningless.

Derby day triumph
The local derby between Újpesti TE and Dunaferr SE ended 2-1 in favour of the home team. Two first-half goals from Zoltán Kovács and Tibor Tokody gave Újpest a cushion and, although Thomas Sowunmi pulled a goal back early in the second half, 2000 champions Dunaferr were unable to find an equaliser. Újpest’s coach András Szabó was pleased with the result, saying: “We did not play well, but we earned the three points again.”

Champions in form
Kispest Honvéd FC continue to struggle, and were beaten 2-0 at Zalaegerszegi TE. Two goals from international striker Krisztián Kenesei, the first a spectacular overhead kick, continued the champions’ unbeaten start to the season at home, although Otto Vincze was sent off for ZTE.