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 | Armenian delegation participating in NATO PA session The delegation is headed by Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the standing committee on defense and security matters. Schengen visa cost won’t change for Armenia – diplomat The increase in the cost of a Schengen visa will not apply to citizens of Armenia, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said. Yeremyan Projects opens state-of-the-art dairy production plant Yeremyan Projects officially launched the Yeremyan Products state-of-the-art milk processing plant in Yerevan on May 24. Azerbaijan's defense spending set to increase by 11% Azerbaijan's spending on defense and national security will increase by 11%, according to a fresh bill. |