Sokol Saratov vs Spartak Kostroma

Sokol Saratov and Spartak Kostroma played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in round 33 of Russia's PARI First League at Lokomotiv Stadium on Sunday. The home side made a bright start and came close to holding on, only to be pegged back just four minutes after taking the lead. Ivan Churikov broke the deadlock for Sokol in the 29th minute, handing the struggling hosts a precious advantage. Spartak's response was immediate — Amur Kalymkov restored parity four minutes later to make it 1-1 before the half-hour mark. Allon Butaev had already been cautioned for Sokol in the 26th minute, and Dmitry Sasin was booked for the hosts again in the 66th. Despite enjoying the greater share of possession, the visitors could not find a winner. The point does precious little for Sokol, who remain rooted in 18th place with just 22 points from 32 games. For sixth-placed Spartak Kostroma, who are chasing the playoff promotion spots, it was two points frustratingly dropped on the road.