Malavan leaves it late, sees off Sepahan

IRNA - Malavan grabbed a late winner to beat the visiting Sepahan 1-0 in the eighth week of the fifth Iran Pro League on the rain-drenched pitch of Takhti Stadium in Bandar Anzali, northern Gilan Province, Friday.

Sepahan keeper Massoud Homami, who deputized injured Armenak Petrossian, failed to save a Hadi Nazarpak free-kick five minutes from time, giving substitute Mohammad Gholami enough time and space to poke home the rebound.

Supported by more than 7,000 partisan fans, the Navy's side gave the visitor the first warning in the 12th minute when Jalal Khavandi shaved the post with a header.

Homami palmed away a curling goal-bound set piece from Nazarpak on 22 minutes.

Mojtaba Qorbani came close to the opener 14 minutes into second half after he destroyed Sepahan defense line, but he missed the scoring chance with a carelessly-hit drive.

Sepahan could take the lead in the 82nd minute when a powerful kick from striker Rassoul Khatibi was well saved by Massoud Gholam-Alizad.

Malavan lies in the eighth place on 12 points and Sepahan occupies the third slot with 15 points.