Czech Republic round-up: Slavia close in on Sparta
Monday, April 21, 2003
Article summary
SK Slavia Praha are back in contention after AC Sparta Praha were held to a 2-2 draw at FC Príbram.
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Spiegl strikes
The visitors' day was ruined by old boy Horst Siegl, who grabbed the vital equaliser after Sparta had recovered from Vít Turtenwald's opening goal to lead through strikes by Marek Kincl and Martin Zboncák - his first for the Prague club. Despite the subsequent sending-off of Rudolf Otepka, however, mid-table Príbram clung on for a point.
Slavia in control
Slavia took advantage of Sparta's slip, winning 3-1 at home against 1. FC Synot. The hosts made light of the absences of Evander Adauto and Štepán Vachoušek to score through Radek Bejbl and then the veteran Pavel Kuka after Václav Cincala had levelled for Synot. The away team had Velice Sumolikoski dismissed for a second bookable offence before Tomáš Došek sealed the victory with Slavia's third goal.
Away win for Liberec
Defending champions FC Slovan Liberec stayed in third place after claiming their first away win since August. Jan Nezmar hit a last-minute goal in a 1-0 triumph at FC Baník Ostrava. FK Viktoria Zizkov, a point behind in fourth position, won by the same margin at home against SK Ceské Budéjovice, with captain Aleš Pikl scoring from the penalty spot.
Brno triumphant
Elsewhere, 1. FC Brno eased their relegation fears with a 1-0 victory at fellow strugglers FK Chmel Blšany. Substitute Pavel Šustr registered with a free-kick four minutes from time to leave the home side just a place above the relegation zone.
Zlín battle on
Newcomers FC Zlín also boosted their chances of beating the drop with a 1-0 home success against second-from-bottom CU Bohemians Praha. Substitute Michal Nehoda settled the game with his first touch. Bottom side SK Hradec Králové drew 0-0 with FK Teplice, while the match between strugglers FK Jablonec 97 and SK Sigma Olomouc also ended goalless.
