Czech Republic round-up: Sparta on the brink

AC Sparta Praha are one win away from the title after a 2-0 defeat of FK Jablonec 97 saw them take a six-point lead in the table.

In command
With their local rivals SK Slavia Praha slipping to a goalless draw at 1. FC Brno, Sparta took full advantage at the Letná stadium. With Jablonec having lost their last six games at the Letná, their luck seemed to have turned when Marek Kincl headed Vladimír Labant's corner against the post in the first half. However, Sparta took command two minutes after the interval as Libor Sionko scored and Zdenek Grygera added a second, converting from a smart backheeled pass from Kincl.

Drab draw
Having beaten FC Baník Ostrava 7-0 last week, Slavia were in less impressive form against Brno. Without captain Richard Dostálek, who was serving a one-match suspension, Slavia failed to impress on their travels with Brno goalkeeper Tomáš Belic having little trouble in achieving his fourth consecutive clean sheet. Without an away win since 10 November and with a worse head-to-head record in their games against Sparta, the next round of games could see Slavia's title dream shattered.

European challengers
Reigning champions FC Slovan Liberec also failed to sparkle as they drew 0-0 at home against FK Viktoria Zizkov. With both teams challenging for a place in Europe next season, neither side could find a finishing touch although the visitors can count themselves fortunate to have kept a clean sheet after Kennedy Chihuri was sent off fifteen minutes before final whistle.

Relegated side
SK Hradec Králové became the first team to be relegated this season after a 5-0 defeat at 1. FC Synot ensured they could no longer hope to catch FK Chmel Blšany in 14th spot. CU Bohemians Praha will probably follow them to the second division as they extended their winless run to six games at home with a goalless draw against FC Príbram. The hosts went close several times despite having Libor Baláž sent off in 68th minute.

Ten men
Bohemians are now six points behind Chmel Blšany, who lost 3-1 at Baník 3-1. The home side ended four-match losing streak despite being down to ten men for more than an hour following the dismissal of Martin Cížek. Václav Sverkoš, Mário Licka and Martin Lukeš scored the goals, while Jan Žemlík pulled one back for Chmel Blšany from the penalty spot.

Winless run
FK Teplice ended their five-game winless run with a 3-1 triumph against SK Sigma Olomouc. A deliberate handball from Robert Caha near the hour mark was the key moment as Sigma were reduced to ten men and Pavel Verbír converted the resulting penalty. Ludek Zelenka and Tomáš Hunal also contributed to the rout, with Lubomír Reiter's goal proving little consolation.

Joy for Zlín
Finally, FC Zlín came from behind to earn their fourth victory in a row, overcoming fellow top-flight newcomers SK Ceské Budejovice. The hosts ended their 355-minute goal drought through Aleš Matoušek, but goals from Peter Babnic and Edvard Lasota gave the visitors victory and edged them closer to a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.