Islotch Minsk edge Baranovichi in eight-goal thriller
Islotch Minsk held on for a 4-3 victory over Baranovichi in Round 16 of the Premier League, a result that kept them top of the table while Baranovichi remain in 11th place. The visitors had already drawn 1-1 at this ground just two weeks ago, and this time they found a way to take all three points. By then, Isloch had accumulated 42 points from 20 games, while Baranovichi sat on 24 after 21 matches.
A. Svirepa opened the scoring for the visitors in the second minute, but and here's the thing — he then turned provider for Baranovichi's equaliser with an own goal just 26 minutes later. M. Kovalevich restored Isloch's lead before half-time in the 25th minute, and F. Lebedev levelled again for Baranovichi shortly after the break in the 44th minute. The match had a restless quality from the start.
E. Yudchits put Isloch back ahead in the 56th minute, and F. Lebedev responded with a penalty in the 62nd minute to keep Baranovichi within striking distance. A. Butko then struck in the 79th minute to give Isloch what looked like a decisive advantage, and the visitors never got going in attack after that. Baranovichi had nothing to do all evening in the final stages.
Baranovichi dominated possession at 52 per cent and won more corners, but Isloch Minsk took their chances more efficiently with seven shots on target compared to five. The visitors also registered eight shots off target alongside their seven on target, while Baranovichi managed five on target and five off. Isloch maintained higher accuracy at 47 per cent against 45 per cent for the hosts.
The result leaves Isloch Minsk four points clear at the summit after 20 matches, with only two defeats to their name. Baranovichi's 11th-place position reflects a campaign of inconsistency — six wins, six draws, and nine losses across 21 games. This was their second meeting this season, and Isloch finally found the breakthrough they had been seeking.
Things came to a head late on, with both sides making changes in search of a result. Baranovichi brought on N. Ryabykh in the 72nd minute and M. Kovalevich off in the 89th, while Isloch substituted V. Khvashchinskiy in the 59th and N. Patsko in the 68th. The yellow card count showed Baranovichi with two and Isloch with three, with E. Lapun and A. Butko among those cautioned.