Vardar blip allows rivals to close

FK Vardar were expected to retain the Macedonian title with ease this season after proving their strength in a UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign which saw them eliminate PFC CSKA Moskva before a narrowly losing to AC Sparta Praha when the group stage beckoned.

Difficult run
However, Vardar are in the midst of a difficult run domestically and have won just one of their last four matches. The team showed some fight to draw 1-1 at FK Sloga Jugomagnat yesterday after their spirit was questioned in the wake of a 3-0 home humbling by FK Sileks the previous Wednesday. Prior to that the champions had defeated bottom club FK Bregalnica Delcevo 3-1 and lost 2-1 to FK Cementarnica 55.

Resignation rejected
The defeat by Sileks prompted coach Zoran Stratev to offer his resignation. "We played very badly," he said. "I cannot motivate my players right now and it will come as no surprise that I have resigned." The Vardar board met to consider Stratev's offer, which was turned down. The coach responded: "I spoke with the club authorities and the players and I understand that it is best if I stay on."

Still on top
Despite their problems, Vardar still lead the race in F.Y.R. Macedonia after 14 rounds of matches. "The team is in crisis but I think that we can win the title," Stratev said. Vardar had relinquished their lead to FK Pobeda before the Prilep side suffered a slip of their own - yesterday's 2-1 loss at FK Rabotnicki, which followed a 0-0 home draw against Sloga.

All to play for
Sloga's draws against Vardar and Pobeda and vital 4-1 success against Sileks on 2 November keep them in the title hunt, too. Vardar have 28 points, Pobeda 27 and Sloga 26. Aside from the blip against Sloga, Sileks have beaten Delcevo, FK Belasica GC and Vardar in recent weeks and are just a point further back in fourth.

Delcevo struggle
At the opposite end of the table, Delcevo appear certain to be relegated after amassing just four points from their opening 14 matches, conceding 42 goals in the process. With most of the senior players having departed, Delcevo's youngsters are experiencing something of a baptism of fire.