Veles vs Arsenal Tula

Veles Moscow extended their strong start to the season with a 2-0 win over Arsenal Tula in round 8 of the FNL, staying in touch with the league's top spot. The home side controlled proceedings for long stretches at Avangard Stadium, edging the visitors in shots and possession on the way to a deserved victory. The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark when Kirill Korolkov put Veles ahead in the 36th minute. Arsenal Tula pushed for an equalizer and had their moments, picking up more corners than the hosts, but couldn't find a way past the Veles defense. Artur Koloskov was booked late on for Veles, and the game was finally put to bed deep into stoppage time when Dmitri Kuchugura added a second in the 92nd minute. The result keeps Veles Moscow firmly in the promotion picture, sitting just behind league leaders Nizhny Novgorod after eight rounds. For Arsenal Tula, it's a frustrating setback that leaves them mid-table, still searching for the consistency that would push them up the standings.