Course for title tightens in IPL

TEHRAN, May 04 (MNA) – Four rounds to closing of the season, in the 28th round of IPL; the winner still unknown. In the 28th round of Iran’s Premier Football League in May 1, Tractorsazi was stopped in the derby of Tabriz on Friday and its close rival Naft of Tehran approached closer to the title. While Tractorsazi, Naft of Tehran and Sepahan of Isfahan are on course to win the title, Foulad of Khuzestan lost hope to regain its last year title. In Tabriz derby, Gostaresh Foulad held Tractorsazi as they played out a 1-1 draw. Brazilian defender Celio Ferreira Dos Santos scored the opener for the table-topper Tractorsazi in the first half but 16 minutes after second half whistle blew Mohsen Heidari equalized and let Gostaresh Foulad gain a point ahead of Malavan of Anzali in the table but still at stake to survive in the Premier League. Also Tractorsazi is still in danger to yield the title to its close rival Naft of Tehran who shares the same points with Tractorsazi and is just behind by virtue of goal difference. Tractorsazi is to meet Esteghlal of Tehran in the 29th round and both are fierce to score the match to keep their status quo. Naft of Tehran edged past Padideh of Mashahd 2-1 gaining the same points with Tractorsazi and making it even closer to title. Hamdinejad (23) and Ezzati (90) scored for Naft and the only goal of Padideh was shot by Mohammad Gholami (69). At home in Ahvaz, Esteghlal of Khuzestan lost to its guest, Sepahan of Isfahan 3-2 to make itself closer to relegation and guarantee Sepahan’s heading for the Asian Championship. In Anzali, Foulad of Khuzestan and Malavan produced a goalless draw against the benefits of both teams. The 2 points that Foulad lost in the match eliminated any hope of championship but they still fight for heading to Asia while Malavan got closer to fall. Golmohammadi’s team won for the eighth time out of last eleven matches and secued its place in 4th position hoping no chance for the tile and just fighting for Asia. Perspolis won with Branco Ivancivic Arrives and moved up to 9th postion in the table. Taremi stroke the only goal of Persepolis to Peykan. After five weeks of disappontment, Esteghlal of Tehran edged past Saba of Ghom 2-1 and stayed in the course for Asia.