PYUNIK FALL SHORT OF PERFECTION
by Khachik Chakhoyan
from Yerevan

uefa.com, Switzerland
May 18 2006

Photo: Levon Pachajyan has scored three goals for Pyunik this season
(©AFP)

FC Pyunik have started the season in daunting form but the
title-holders failed to add the Armenian Cup to their haul.

Impressive form In four league games, Pyunik have scored eleven and
conceded just one, confirming they will be the side to beat with 3-0
wins against two of their challengers for the 2006 crown, FC MIKA
and Yerevan rivals FC Banants

Cup defeat However, they have not had things all their way. MIKA showed
their quality in the Armenian Cup final by beating the champions 1-0,
Armen Shageldyan scoring the only goal as the Ashtarak team lifted
the cup for the fifth time in seven editions.

MIKA resurgent A home defeat by Pyunik in their second game of the
campaign had left MIKA on a solitary point, but they have since looked
livelier, claiming back-to-back victories and showing the kind of
steel needed to mount a title bid.

Banants disjointed The same hardly applies to Banants who have only
four points from their four matches. The promise of a 6-0 mauling
of FC Shirak evaporated with losses to FC Ararat Yerevan and Pyunik,
and a goalless draw against FC Gandzasar Kapan.

Ararat impress Newly-promoted Gandzasar and Ararat have both
performed well, playing exciting football and demonstrating plenty
of discipline. Gandzasar are level on points with third-placed MIKA
while Ararat are second, four points behind Pyunik.

Ulis struggling Meanwhile, FC Ulis Yerevan, who escaped relegation in
their previous guise as FC Dinamo-Zenit Yerevan last term, already
appear to be favourites for demotion. After five rounds, they have
yet to register a point.

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