UEFA
Aug 18 2005
Football Europe: Pyunik poised for final furlong
Champions FC Pyunik are on course to retain their title after ending
the first stage of the Armenian season five points clear at the
summit.
New format
Pyunik have progressed relatively unhindered and are unbeaten in their
16 games, apparently unaffected by the turmoil that has gripped the
league. FC Lernayin Artsakh were excluded from the Premier League by
the Football Federation of Armenia last month and under a new format,
the division now splits with the top six sides contesting league
honours and European berths.
Healthy lead
Meanwhile, FC Shirak and FC Ararat Yerevan face a relegation play-off,
with the loser going down automatically and the winner having to
overcome the First Division runners-up to stay up. Points taken against
Shirak and Ararat now count for nothing for the top six, increasing
Pyunik’s advantage over second-placed FC MIKA from three to five.
Banants threat
It would have been more, had the champions not been held by
fourth-placed FC Kotayk in their last fixture before the one-month
break that separates the first and second stages. That will give MIKA
time to prepare for the run-in but they will also be aware that FC
Banants could threaten their hold on second spot, as they lurk just
a point behind.
Kotayk hope
Banants play Kotayk when the league resumes on 28 August and the
match may offer a clue as to Kotayk’s top-three credentials. The
sextet is completed by FC Kilikia and FC Dinamo-Zenit Yerevan and,
although they are out of the title running, these two could have an
impact on the final standings.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress