Wisla build big winter lead

By Maciej Iwanski

Wisla Kraków, seeking a third straight title, are eight points clear in the Polish Ekstraklasa going into the winter break, having built on their 2-0 home win against Legia Warszawa.

Vital success
Tomasz Klos and Maciej Zurawski scored unbeaten Wisla's goals on 29 October, and the leaders have since maintained their winning habit with key man Tomasz Frankowski registering 19 goals in 13 games.

Groclin defeat
He struck twice on 21 November as Wisla triumphed 4-2 at Groclin Grodzisk Wielkopolski, the first time the hosts had failed to win a home league match this term. It capped a disappointing end to the first half of the campaign for Groclin, which also included a 2-1 defeat at GKS Górnik Leczna.

Legia find form
Legia have named former defender Dariusz Wdowczyk as their new coach from 1 December. They have had a successful month, beating KSP Polonia Warszawa 4-1 at home, GKS Katowice 3-0 away and Wisla Plock 2-1 at home. They played most of the last game with ten men - and the points ensured they took second spot off Groclin due to their defeat by the leaders.

Big four on top
Slipping to fourth place are KS Amica Wronki. Their team, based on youth, have had to play a total of 27 matches because of their involvement in the UEFA Cup and Polish Cup, and they have struggled.

Cracovia surprised
Amica's 2-0 home defeat by Zaglebie Lubin on 13 November was put down to tiredness, but they bounced back to win 1-0 at KS Cracovia, inflicting only a second home reverse on the newcomers. Cracovia may make signings during the winter break and have not ruled out a challenge for a European place in their first top-flight season.

Polonia point
Lech Poznan continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table, and needed a last-minute goal to draw 1-1 with Polonia on 19 November. It was the latter's first away point of 2004, but allowed Lech to stretch their advantage over bottom club Katowice to four points.

Hard for Katowice
Katowice have taken just eight points from 13 outings. Last Saturday they lost 4-1 at derby rivals Górnik Zabrze, having enjoyed the boost of beating Cracovia 1-0 three weeks before, and remain strong favourites for the drop.