Published: 20 September, 2009, 11:58
Edited: 20 September, 2009, 08:46
In the Russian Premier League, Spartak Moscow have failed to close the gap on leaders Rubin after a 2-1 defeat away to Saturn. The Muscovites are now six points down to Rubin with the latter having a game in hand.
Saturn got in front after 30 minutes of play through Dmitry Loskov’s firing home after a free-kick to celebrate his 400th match in the Russian top division.
The hosts hung on to this lead in the first half.
Soon after the break, however, the league's top-scorer Welliton earned a spot kick for Spartak.
But then came a surprise as Saturn goalie Antonin Kinski warmed up for the penalty, a couple of fans rushed onto the pitch and shot at goal. Alex then did it for real to square things up for Spartak.
But their joy was short-lived after Marko Topic's heroic move just a minute later.
The Serb stopped the ball with his head and then beat a defender to slot home the winner.
In the meantime, Rostov – playing at home – settled for a draw with Kuban.
Artur Tlisov opened the scoring for the visitors 10 minutes into the game with a long range shot, but five minutes later Aleksandr Pavlenko leveled matters after making all the right moves in the area.
Thirty minutes from start, Tlisov got his second of the night, firing home from outside the box to put the visitors in front once again.
Just a few minutes before half-time, though, Aleksandr Gatskan restored parity after a corner kick, as he literally stole the ball from the keeper.
The hosts were awarded a penalty kick in the second half after Babangida was brought down in the box. He himself converted from the spot, leaving the goalie no chance, and put Rostov 3-2 ahead.
However, 15 minutes from time Rostov's defenders failed to catch Ahmetovich in an off-side trap, who made the most of the situation and fired home, saving his side from a disappointing loss.
And in the late game of the day, Lokomotiv edged city rivals FC Moscow by a single goal.
Dmitry Sychev got it from the spot after Dmitry Torbinsky was fouled in the area.
The final score was 1-0, and the win puts Yury Syomin's men into third place in the Premier League standings.