Slovenia round-up: Leading pair held

NK Maribor remain a point ahead of NK Publikum with two games to go in the Slovenian First League after both were held to high-scoring draws at the weekend. The pair meet on Wednesday in a match which could decide the title race.

Pekic treble
Damir Pekic struck a hat-trick as Maribor drew 3-3 with third-placed NK Olimpija Ljubljana. In a match twice halted by crowd trouble, Maribor went ahead on 21 minutes through Pekic - his first goal of the season.

Olimpija fight back
Nedim Jusufbegovic equalised in the 40th minute, but Pekic scored again from the penalty spot just before half-time. He completed his treble not long before the hour, but Slovenian Cup winners Olimpija cemented third place with goals from Marko Kmetec and Blaz Puc to level the game with eleven minutes left.

Kvas equaliser
Publikum missed their chance to go top with their own 3-3 draw at home to NK Koper. Indeed, Publikum only secured a point with a last-minute Andrej Kvas equaliser. A victory at home to Publikum on Wednesday would seal the title for Maribor.

Rebol turns match
Elsewhere, two goals in the last five minutes from Matej Rebol gave NK Dravograd a 2-1 win at home to NK Mura, while Matej Miljatovià also struck twice for fourth-placed NK Šmartno as they beat NK Ljubljana 2-1.