Slovakia round-up: Zilina bound for glory

MŠK Zilina moved closer to the Slovakian title with a 1-0 win against ŠK Slovan Bratislava on Saturday.

Mintál inspires Zilina
The home side dominated the first half without creating many chances, but after 61 minutes Zilina finally made the breakthrough when Marek Mintál turned home Jaroslav Trhancík's dangerous cross. However, Slovan fought for an equaliser and Ladislav Onofrej and Lubomír Meszaros could both have salvaged a point.

No luck for Inter
Slovan's city rivals AŠK Inter Bratislava saw their title challenge take a knock as they were beaten 1-0 at home by ŠKM Púchov. The visitors were ahead after just three minutes through a header from Robert Ovad following a mix-up in the Inter defence. Púchov almost grabbed a second goal two minutes from time when Milan Jambor was put clean through but his shot was weak and failed to trouble Miroslav Hýll.

Petrzalka stifled
Second-placed FC Artmedia Petrzalka also suffered a setback as they were held to a goalless draw by lowly 1. FC Košice. In a disappointing match, Košice went close to taking the lead with a powerful free-kick from Vladislav Zvara which flew narrowly wide, while Martin Bednár nearly snatched the points for Petrzalka at the other end with a late shot which forced a neat save from goalkeeper Marek Rodak.

Ruzomberok draw a blank
MŠK Ruzomberok failed to turn their domination into goals in a 0-0 draw with FC Tatran Prešov. Marek Fabula missed a number of decent chances but Ruzomberok were relieved to see Miroslav Viazanko fire the ball wide from a great position in the final minute.

Priceless point for Dubnica
Bottom club FK ZTS Dubnica earned themselves an important point against local rivals FK Dukla Trencín. Neither side created many openings although Trencín's Marián Stas missed a good chance near the end when he mishit a low shot.