Persepolis and Sepahan surge ahead in PGL

Persianmirror - As Persian Gulf League (PGL) reaches midseason point Persepolis and Sepahan have established themselves as favourites to win league championship in Iran. Persepolis undefeated in 15 matches this season and on 35 points are bagging the points even when they don't particularly play well, Sepahan with only one defeat in 13 matches are on 30 points and indeed could go above Persepolis if they win their two games in hand.

Sepahan back to league business after their magnificent run in the Asian Champions League kicked off PGL week 15 with a win over Saba Battery on November 27th and closed the gap on Persepolis to 3 points, Zobahan saw off Sanat Naft on the same day to move out of the relegation zone. Persepolis were looking to restore their 6 point lead over Sepahan when they took on Bargh Shiraz on November 29th. Persepolis head coach Afshin Ghotbi returned to his birth place the city of Shiraz for the first time in 30 years. Playing at home Bargh Shiraz played a calculated game; in particular Bargh dominated the second half but conceded a goal against the run of play to a clever close range shot from PGL top scorer Khalili. Bargh did more than enough to take something from this game if not win it but they came against the Persepolis keeper Vaezi who was on top form and made a string of crucial saves to keep Bargh out, the match ended 1-0 to Persepolis, the difference between the two sides was a clinical Khalili finish, both keepers played well in this match.

Esteghlal of Tehran took on Paas of Hamedan on November 30th with Firouz Karimi as head coach; both sides were on 20 points and could jump to 5th place with a win. Playing at Tehran's Azadi stadium Esteghlal enjoyed more of the possession but just like Bargh Shiraz 24 hours earlier Esteghlal failed to convert their chances, Paas scored early in the match with the Bosnian Abuca converting a corner kick after 12 minutes, the match ended 1-0 to Paas much to the delight of Paas head coach Begovic who had clearly done his homework on Esteghlal. Esteghlal have now conceded 20 goals in 15 matches this season, they remain in 9th place on 20 points and 15 points behind their archrivals Persepolis. Sepahan and Sanat Naft settled for a share of the points in Abadan with a 2-2 draw in the first match of week 16 on December 1st.

Week 15 results:
ZobAhan 2 - Naft 1
Saba Battery 0 - Sepahan 1
Bargh 0 - Persepolis 1
Shirin-Faraz 0 - Abumoslem 2
Malavan 2 - RahAhan 1
Saipa 1 - Pegah 2
Est-Ahvaz 4 - Fajr-Sepasi 1
Esteghlal 0 - Paas Hamedan 1
Mes 2 - Peykan 3

This article was contributed by AFSHIN DASTAFSHAN.