Vardar returned to winning ways by defeating Shkëndija Arachinovo 2-0 in the sixth-round match of the First Football League, played at the FFM complex. Miodrag Božović's team were the better side and deservedly secured victory through goals by Boban Nikolov and Goran Zakarić in the second half.
In the seventh minute of the match, Shkëndija Arachinovo had the first chance, but Enis Fazlagić shot wide from a good position.
Vardar responded just five minutes later, when David Babunski hit the post with a shot from 18 metres. At the other end, Ariton Mehmed threatened, while in the 27th minute Vardar had another great chance. Azer Omeragić sent a fine header following a cross from the right, but Stolevski managed to save and did not allow the champions to take the lead.
Manevski delivered a cross from the left in the 34th minute, Zakarić controlled the ball inside the penalty area, but his shot lacked conviction. Before the end of the first half, Miguel Pires headed towards goal after a corner from the right, but was narrowly inaccurate.
Vardar took the lead at the start of the second half. Boban Nikolov reacted excellently, shooting first time after Ličina had cleared the ball, and found the Shkëndija Arachinovo net with a shot from 12 metres.
In the 55th minute, Zakarić hit the crossbar with a header following Jankulov's cross. Nevertheless, the narrow lead remained.
Vardar doubled their lead in the 69th minute. Omeragić broke down the right, crossed into the middle, and Spahiu left the ball for Goran Zakarić, who scored from close range.
Until the end, Vardar expertly protected their lead and also had several more opportunities, but failed to convert them.
