Georgia round-up: Dinamo back on top
Monday, May 19, 2003
Article summary
FC Dinamo Tbilisi regained top spot as FC Lokomotivi Tbilisi drew 1-1 with FC WIT Georgia Tbilisi.
Article body
Lomaia outstanding
Dinamo were 5-1 winners against FC Kolkheti-1913 on Sunday and took the outright lead after WIT could only manage a 1-1 draw against Lokomotivi. Many of Europe's big clubs have turned their attention to Lokomotivi goalkeeper Georgi Lomaia, and he lived up to his billing again by saving two first-half penalties. Dinamo are now two points clear of FC Torpedo Kutaisi and WIT.
Akhalaia pair
A first-half double from Vladimer Akhalaia, either side of goals from Rati Aleksidze and Davit Kvirkvelia put Dinamo on their way to victory against Kolkheti-1913. Irakli Samkharadze wrapped up the rout with the fifth in the 76th minute, leaving Valerian Gagua's 30th-minute penalty as a mere consolation.
Down to third
In Sunday's derby, WIT took the lead in the 17th minute through Levan Melkadze, who managed to find the net at the second attempt after Lomaia saved his penalty. When the referee then pointed to the spot in the 42nd minute, Oleg Gvelesiani stepped up for WIT but he too saw Lomaia equal to his kick. Lokomotivi's Roin Oniani then punished WIT for their profligacy, and knocked them off top spot, with an equaliser ten minutes from time.
Ioanidze treble
Torpedo jumped into second spot with a 5-1 demolition of FC Sioni Bolnisi, thanks to a hat-trick from Zurab Ionanidze. The win earned the first points for new Torpedo coach Samson Pruidze, who has just replaced Olexandr Shtelin in the top job. The win was also revenge for Sioni's win against Torpedo in the cup semi-final.
Metalurgi misery
In the relegation play-offs, FC Metalurgi Zestaponi became the first demoted team by losing 1-0 to FC Milani Tsnori. Elsewhere, FC Dinamo Batumi beat 1-0 FC Gorda Rustavi and FC Dila Gori lost 3-1 at the hands of FC Merani-Olimpi.
Sioni unsure
Away from the domestic action, debates have been taking place over which teams will represent Georgia in Europe next season. Georgian Football Federation vice-president Roman Shotadze was reported to have said that Sioni may not be able to play in the UEFA Cup if they lose the cup final and their opponents Dinamo go on to win the title, although no official decision has been made.
