Senec stun Púchov in penalty drama

FK VTJ KOBA Senec will be playing in the UEFA Cup qualifying round next season after clinching a surprise Slovakian Cup final victory over ŠK Púchov today, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Púchov had forced extra time through a late goal from Mário Breska after Marek Lukác put the underdogs ahead just after half-time.

Cautious opening
Both sides began the 33rd Slovensky Pohár final nervously, preferring to concentrate on defending and waiting for their opponent to make a mistake. Senec, who have lit up the competition this year with their run to the final, imposed themselves in the second half, however.

Denied at the death
They went ahead after 49 minutes when Lukác took advantage of hesitant defending to score with a neat volley from just inside the box. The first division club tried valiantly to hold on to their lead but Púchov fought their way back into the match and drew level eleven minutes from full time, Breska scoring with a fine shot from 14 metres after cutting inside.

Penalty drama
The teams could not be separated after extra time, but Púchov saw two of their penalties saved by Senec goalkeeper Stefan Kollar as the first division club won the shoot-out 4-2.