Season review: FYR Macedonia
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
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FK Vardar's Russian coach and an Armenian right-back helped them to an eighth title as FK Rabotniki won the cup and a goalkeeping record was set by a side in the bottom half.
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Champions: FK Vardar
Vardar wrested back the championship from Skopje rivals FK Rabotnicki as the country's most decorated club captured their third Macedonian First League crown in four years. With the league played under a new split format, Vardar led the way from the off but had to wait until the penultimate round to secure their eighth title. "I can't say we were at our best throughout the whole season, but we still deserved it," said Vardar's Russian coach Sergei Andreev.
Cup final: FK Teteks 1-2 FK Rabotnicki
Four days after surrendering the title, Rabotnicki gained some consolation by lifting the Macedonian Cup for the second successive season, the fourth time in total. It was not all plain sailing for the holders, as relegated Teteks took a surprise first-half advantage through ex-Rabotnicki attacker Cvetan Curlinov. The Skopje giants turned things around with goals from Baze Ilijoski (68) and Marjan Altiparmakovski (72).
European places*
FK Vardar – UEFA Champions League second qualifying round
FK Rabotnicki – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
KF Shkëndija – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
KF Renova – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
*subject to final confirmation from UEFA
Player of the year: Hovhannes Hambartsumyan (FK Vardar)
The eventual champions strengthened over the course of the campaign, bringing in several players of international experience. Hambartsumyan was chief among them. A right-back with good technical skills and an ability to deliver dangerous crosses into the box, the 24-year-old Armenia defender quickly became an indispensable member of the side. He finished with eight assists and three goals. The official player of the year award is made in December.
One to watch: Filip Gacevski (FK Bregalnica Stip)
Born in Slovenia with Macedonian heritage, Gacevski joined Bregalnica Stip last summer from Austrian outfit Kapfenberger SV. The 24-year-old goalkeeper made his mark as he set a league record of 912 minutes without conceding between 8 March and 6 May. "I went through a tough period in Austria but now I feel I've been reborn," said Gacevski. He ended the season with his first senior call-up from FYR Macedonia.
Leading scorer: Izair Emini (KF Renova) – 20 goals
Relegated: FK Teteks, FK Pelister
Promoted: KF Shkupi, FK Mladost Carev Dvor