Bright prospects for Pobeda

Pobeda top
Pobeda started the second half of the campaign with a 2-1 success at FK Sileks, and followed that by thrashing FK Vardar 5-2 at home. Despite a subsequent 3-1 defeat at FK Belasica GC and home draw with FK Madzari Solidarnost 92, they returned to form by winning 2-1 at FK Tikves on Sunday.

Sloga on a roll
Meanwhile, second-placed Sloga recovered from two losses to win their next three games and keep the pressure on Pobeda. Sileks, in third, also began badly, the three-time former champions falling to Pobeda and FK Rabotnicki before claiming victories against FK Napredok, FK Cementarnica 55 and bottom side FK Bregalnica Delcevo.

Stratev resigns
Title-holders Vardar have been consistently inconsistent. After coming from behind to beat FK Baskimi 2-1, they then succumbed to a 5-2 defeat by Pobeda, a result which led to the resignation of coach Zoran Stratev.

Jakimovski dream start
Stratev was replaced by Toni Jakimovski, who brought immediate success with a 3-0 triumph against local rivals Rabotnicki. However, just when everybody was expecting the champions to climb the table, they could only draw with Napredok and Cementarnica. Vardar remain in fifth position, six points behind Pobeda.

Six in race
Rabotnicki are also six points adrift, in fourth place. The Skopje side have had three wins, a draw and a defeat - and are one of six teams in contention for the title and entry to next season's UEFA club competitions.