Gareji secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Kolheti Poti in the Erovnuli Liga 2, Regular Season round 22 on Saturday. The result keeps the table-toppers firmly at the summit with 46 points from 23 matches. To be fair, this wasn't a dominant display by any means — the hosts had to weather the storm against a side that controlled possession.
Kolheti took an early lead when G. Samadashvili's own goal landed in the 17th minute, followed by T. Babunadze's strike just two minutes later. Gareji responded through V. Goncalves in the 66th minute before L. Kalandadze levelled at 77. And here's the thing — Babunadze ended a barren spell with a penalty in the 80th minute to seal all three points.
The statistics tell an uneven story. Kolheti enjoyed 56 percent possession and registered 92 attacks compared to Gareji's 79, yet the visitors managed only seven corners to the hosts' two. Gareji accumulated three yellow cards while Kolheti picked up two, suggesting the match grew increasingly tense as the second half progressed.
By then, the table position tells its own tale. Gareji remain top with four points clear, having won 13, drawn seven and lost just three times this season. Kolheti sit in 10th place with 20 points after four victories and eight draws, their 11 defeats painting a difficult picture for their campaign.
The result extends Gareji's unbeaten run against lower-table opposition while Kolheti continue to search for consistency. Five games played, five points from the last two matches — the visitors are still looking for that breakthrough they need badly.