Ten-man Barq sees off automakers

IRNA - Ten-man Barq celebrated a home 2-1 victory over national carmaking Iran Khodro Company's side Paykan in the 22nd week of the sixth Iran Pro League (IPL) in Hafezieh Stadium in Shiraz, the capital of southern Fars Province, Thursday.

Backed by some 2,000 fans, the home side scored the opener through Mohammad Matouri in the 13th minute.

Barq's lead was short-lived as Paykan striker Mohsen Bayatinia made it 1-1 four minutes later.

However, Barq grabbed the winner on 23 minutes when Mehdi Karimian fired home.

Paykan failed to salvage a draw although Barq was reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute, with Mojtaba Ensafi receiving his marching orders from referee Mohammad-Hossein Assadi.

The Shirazi fans were also happy with the away 1-0 victory of Fajr-e Sepassi, their second representative in the league, over Saba Battery in Derakhshan Stadium, 35 km off Tehran, on the same day.

Foulad holds Zob Ahan

Foulad held the visiting Zob Ahan to a 1-1 tie in the 22nd week match of the sixth Iran Pro League in Naft Stadium in Ahvaz, the capital of southern Khuzestan Province, Thursday.

Isfahan's Zob Ahan opened the scoring after 11 minutes through Esmaeil Farhadi and the home team celebrated the equalizer in the 52nd minute when Fabil Daniel found the net.

Assisted by linesmen Sadeq Nouri and Hossein Abbassi, Touraj Haqverdi refereed the game.

More than 4,000 spectators watched the clash.