Akademija Pandev smashed Belasica to once again claim the Strumica derby, Vardar slipped against Renova allowing Shkendija to come close on just two points after destroying Makedonija GjP. Wins for Pobeda and Sileks against Shkupi and Rabotnichki.

photo by FK Akademija Pandev: the Academians celebrate after beating Belasica

The newly born derby of Strumica saw sparks even days before the match. Belasica offered the derby to be played at the Mladost stadium, originally home of both clubs, but the Academy refused as the Kangaroos previously denied them to use the stadium for all of their home matches. Despite having much smaller capacity, the Kukush stadium in the nearby village of Turnovo gave a great atmosphere as it was filled with fans till the last seat.

Akademija Pandev broke the dead lock after only 90 second of play. Iliev from right perfectly found Doriev on the the far post and the later had no problems scoring from close range. In the 28th minute the hosts doubled the lead. This time Doriev assisted to Krstovski who beat Vujanac one on one. Krstovski is becoming a real nightmare for Belasica as this is his third goal against them after scoring a brace in the first match this season.

It was expected Belasica to do something after the break, but instead Akademija Pandev added a third goal through Milovanovikj to cement the win. It is the second time this season how the Academy outplays and beats its local rival Belasica. It is the first defeat for the Kangaroos after a run of 7 undefeated matches.

The goals:

Kukush stadium in Turnovo
Akademija Pandev – Belasica 3:0 (2:0)
Goals: 2′ Ljupcho Doriev, 28′ Mario Krstovski, 75′ Daniel Milovanovikj
Referee: Marjan Markoski (Ohrid)

Vardar was held to a goalless draw at home by Renova, but despite that kept the top. Seems like the home derby defeat by Shkendija affected mentally the red and black players as they were huge favorites for the points today.

Boris Trajkovski stadium in Skopje
Vardar – Renova 0:0
Goals: /
Referee: Stojanche Stojanov (Shtip)

Shkendija hosted Makedonija GjP and broke the visiting defense in the last minutes of the first half. First Musliu scored in the 42nd minute and later in the injury time Ibraimi added a second goal for a comfortable half-time lead.

Few minuted into the second half and the Lions made thing even more easier for the holders as Filipovski got sent off. Kirovski did surprise the hosts in the 69th minute, but three minutes later Ibraimi scored his second to get back the two goals advantage. In the last minutes of the game Nafiu scored two goals to celebrate a brace just like Ibraimi.

Highlights:

Gradski stadium in Tetovo
Shkendija – Makedonija GjP 5:1 (2:0)
Goals: 42′ Visar Musliu, 45’+1, 72′ Besart Ibraimi, 86′, 90’+2 Valmir Nafiu – 69′ Hristijan Kirovski
Red cards: 52′ Kristijan Filipovski (M)
Referee: Dimitar Mechkarovski (Skopje)

Pobeda climbed to the fourth place after clinching three points against Shkupi. One goal scored in each half thanks to Chinazorm and Tanushev were enough for the hosts to defeat the Skopje visitors.

Highlights:

Pod Tumbe Kafe stadium in Bitola
Pobeda – Shkupi 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: 38′ Kyrian Nwabueze Chinazorm, 68′ Gjorgji Tanushev
Referee: Josip Barton (Skopje)

It was similar in Kratovo where Sileks recorded only the second seasonal win by beating Rabotnichki. Parfait brought the lead five minutes before the break, but Dimitrovski’s second yellow card two minutes later made Sileks’ job easier. Eight minute from time Georgiev scored a Cristiano Ronaldo style goal to confirm the win.

With this win Sileks escaped the bottom position which is now back to Shkupi.

Highlights:

Sileks stadium in Kratovo
Sileks – Rabotnichki 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: 40′ Louise Essengue Eloumu Parfait, 82′ Boban Georgiev
Red cards: 42′ Vladimir Dimitrovski (R)
Referee: Zorancho Temelkov (Kavadarci)