The Štip native secured a victory for Vardar in Štip. Boban Nikolov scored for three points for the Skopje „red-and-blacks“ in the match against Bregalnica. Although the Štip side were not outplayed and were an equal opponent, in the end they had to accept defeat, while Vardar claimed three important points in the title race.
Bregalnica’s excellent start to the match, however, did not result in an advantage. They had a chance through Gligorov in the opening seconds, while Ivan Nikolov also had an opportunity in the 18th minute, but there was no change to the score. The home side did not take the lead in the 20th minute either, when Rajkov tried with a header that went just wide of the goal.
That is why the Štip side were „punished“ in the 24th minute. Jankulov sent a cross from the right, Kocev cleared it, but only as far as Nikolov, who shot first time and found the bottom-right corner of Filevski’s goal.
Bregalnica continued their attacks, and Stojanov had a chance in the 39th minute, when Taleski made an excellent save.
The second half also began with an opportunity for the home side. Maksimov found himself in a great chance, but after going one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he got tangled up and Taleski collected the ball. In the 83rd minute, Vardar had a chance to make it 0:2, but Filevski made an excellent save from Zakarić’s attempt.
Bregalnica had their final chance to avoid defeat in the 89th minute, when Nikolov found himself in a good position, but the Vardar players defended with a great deal of luck and managed to claim three points from this match.
In the next round, Bregalnica visit Arsimi, while Vardar play the big title derby away to Shkëndija.
