Almetyevsk took all three points from Gornyak on Sunday in the Higher Hockey League, winning 2-1. The away side secured the result despite playing away from home, where the hosts had won seven of their eight matches this season. The visitors finished second to third in the opening stages of the competition, while Gornyak dropped further down the table.
Gornyak came into the fixture on a strong run, having beaten ЦСК ВВС 5-2 on their last outing. They also saw off Химик and Звезда Москва in consecutive games before that defeat to СКА-ВМФ Санкт-Петербург. The home side did not travel to make up the numbers, but could not convert their momentum into points.
And here's the thing — we had called for an away victory beforehand, with 46 per cent confidence. The prediction came through, though not through dominance. Almetyevsk were second to everything at times, but they grabbed what they needed when it mattered.
By then the visitors sat in second place with 11 games played, eight wins and three defeats. Gornyak remained in tenth, still with seven victories but now one loss to their name. The gap between them remains small, and the table does not tell the whole story.
The result ended Gornyak's winning streak, while Almetyevsk extended their push toward the top half. Cup football has its own rules, and this was a regular-season contest where two points could still make a difference later on.
