Latvia round-up: Thrilling finish ahead

FC Skonto's bid for a European record 12th league title in a row in Latvia's Virsliga will go to the final day as both they and rivals FK Ventspils won to remain level on points - which would mean a play-off if the situation remains the same after next Saturday's matches.

Miholaps double
Skonto, who have monopolised the championship since independence, overcame FC Dinaburg 3-1 to keep their run going. The league's leading scorer Mihails Miholaps was on target twice, with Maris Verpakovskis adding the other for Skonto, who play FHK Liepajas Metalurgs on Saturday.

Eight for contenders
Dinaburg could still have a big effect on the title as they face Ventspils on the final day, having beaten the contenders in last season's final match to hand Skonto the title. Ventspils were on fine form this weekend, overcoming FK Riga 8-2, Andrejs Butriks and Vits Rimkus scoring twice with Sergey Zangareev, Evgeni Landyrev, Anatoly Lukjanchikov and Deimantas Bicka adding the others.

Auda's hard times
FK Auda Riga remain bottom and three points adrift in the sole relegation place after losing 4-0 at home to Metalurgs. Kristaps Grebis and Alexander Katasonov both claimed two goals.

Valmiera safe
SK Valmiera ensured they avoid relegation after beating Policijas FK 3-2. Eduards Kudrjasovs scored twice for Valmiera, Juris Adamovics added the other for the winners.

Relegation shake-up
Auda must beat Policijas on Saturday to drag their opponents into a play-off, which will also involve Riga if they lost at home to Valmiera.