Slovakia round-up: Zilina take charge of championship

Champions MŠK Žilina opened up a three-point gap at the top of the Superliga thanks to a resounding 4-0 victory away to AŠK Inter Bratislava.

Slovan setback
Second-placed ŠK Slovan Bratislava suffered a 4-3 defeat at FC Spartak Trnava, although the destination of the title may hinge on the match between the top two when Slovan are at home to the leaders in a fortnight's time.

Prolific scorers
In Bratislava, Branislav Labant opened the scoring after 36 minutes with a powerful header, before second-half strikes from Martin Fabuš, his 20th of the season, Marek Mintál, who added his 18th, and Michal Gottwald completed the win.

Goals galore
Meanwhile, Slovan took the lead through Robert Vittek, but two goals from Spartak's 19-year-old midfield player Kamil Kopúnek turned the match around. Slovan's challenge seemed to be over when Vladimír Kožuch extended the home side's lead, but goals from Pavol Sedlák and Robert Vittek brought them level, only for Peter Hodúr to score what proved to be the winning goal 19 minutes from time.

Petrzalka closing in
FC Artmedia Petrzalka moved within two points of Slovan as a goal from Balázs Borbély was enough to secure a 1-0 win at home to FK Laugaricio Trencín, whose captain Vladimír Kinder twice saw efforts come back off the crossbar.

Straka strikes
FK ZTS Dubnica defeated neighbours ŠKM Púchov, with Pavol Straka scoring twice and Peter Kiska adding another from the penalty spot while a spot-kick from Lubomír Pernis was all the visitors could manage.

Belated success
Relegated 1. FC Košice secured a first victory in eleven league games desite falling to behind at home to MŠK Ruzomberok as Roland Stevko found the target. Goals from Ján Kozák and Lubomír Gajdos completed the home side's fightback.