Russian Premier League: Krasnodar 2 Spartak Nal´chik 0

FC Krasnodar maintained their unbeaten start to the Russian Premier League season with a 2-0 victory over Spartak Nal’chik.

Nalchik were looking to build on an opening day win against Krylia Sovetov and the visitors nearly took a first half lead, but Evgeni Ovsienko saw his shot come back off the post.

Krasnodar are looking to improve on their 10th placed finish last season, in only their second campaign in the top flight, and they took the lead when Igor Picusceac headed in Dusan Andjelkovic’s cross.

With 20 minutes left, Krasnodar extended their advantage, Armenian international Yura Movsisyan making it 2-0 after a swift counter-attack.

Nal’chik were gifted an opportunity to get back into the game when Alexander Amisulashvili fouled Igor Portnyagin and the referee awarded a penalty.

However, Mikhail Bagaev failed to convert, Krasnodar goalkeeper Evgeniy Gorodov pulling off a good save.

The win sends Krasnodar to the head of the league table ahead of the weekend’s remaining fixtures.