FC Shirak secures first Armenian title in 14 yearsMay 4, 2013 - 13:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - FC Shirak secured their first Armenian title in 14 years with two matches to spare after their 1-0 win at FC Pyunik was coupled with FC Mika's 2-1 reverse against bottom side FC Banants, UEFA.com says. Mika began the day five points behind the leaders but a Banants winner in the dying moments gave Shirak the chance to wrap up their fourth championship and first since 1999. Despite fielding their strongest side, Shirak failed to create any chances in the first half and were lucky not to concede when Artak Edigaryan's free-kick hit a post for Pyunik. The contest was livelier after the break with chances at both ends before Yoro Lamine Ly converted substitute Levon Pachajyan's low cross nine minutes from time for his 16th goal of the season. "I am so happy," a teary Shirak coach Vardan Bichakhchyan told UEFA.com. "I have never felt such happiness before. All credit to my players, it is their win. Shirak had been striving for this success for so long. [The city of] Gyumri needs such victories and we made all the citizens happy. This is pure joy, and we made it by our own efforts and eagerness." Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |