Malavan Gatecrashes Blues' Party, Hands Reds Trophy

TEHRAN - Malavan played the role of a giantkiller in the last 90 minutes as it beat visitor table-topper, Esteqlal of Tehran, 1-0 in Bandar Anzali, helping Pirouzi snatch the trophy of the first Iran Pro League Tuesday.

Due to close, cutthroat race for title, all games started at 5 P.M.

Winning 48 points, Esteqlal known as blues needed a draw to lift the title but Malavan stunned the popular side as Babak Pour-Gholami slotted home in the 32nd minute in front of over 20 thousand football-mad fans packing Takhti Stadium in Bandar Anzali.

Ali Parvin, the reds' veteran coach, proved himself smart and lucky as substitute Ebrahim Assadi's first touch went the team and supporters wild with applause.

Assadi headed home a Hamed Kavianpour corner cross in the 63rd minute in a densely-populated penalty area.

The victory brought Pirouzi's points to 49 and trophy to the reds' camp as well.

In other matches, Abu Moslem trounced relegated-bound Esteqlal of Rasht 9-2 as Reza Enayati netted 7 times, winning the top goalscorer title. Paykan defeated Zob Ahan 3-1 and Foulad of Khuzestan crushed Tractor Sazi, relegated too, 2-0 and Barq whitewashed Pas 3-nil.