FC Sevlievo climbed the Bulgarian Vtora Liga table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belasitsa Petrich on Monday evening. The match, played in Sevlievo, saw the home side dominate early proceedings but withstand a late surge from the visitors to secure all three points.

Sevlievo took the lead in the 19th minute when a patient build-up ended with a precise shot from the edge of the area. The ball nestled into the bottom corner, leaving the Belasitsa goalkeeper rooted. The home side continued to control the tempo, and their reward came in the 41st minute. A swift corner routine caught the defense napping, allowing a defender to plant a header past the keeper for 2-0 at halftime.

Belasitsa Petrich fights back but falls short

The second half was a different story. Belasitsa came out with renewed purpose, pressing high and forcing errors from Sevlievo's defense. Their pressure paid off in the 64th minute when a cross from the left was met with a looping header that dropped just under the crossbar, making it 2-1. The visitors pushed for an equalizer, creating several half-chances, but Sevlievo's goalkeeper was equal to the task, making a vital save in the 83rd minute from a close-range shot. The home side held on for a gritty win.

Key points and league context

• FC Sevlievo's discipline in the first half was crucial, as they built a lead that Belasitsa could not fully recover from.
• Belasitsa Petrich showed fighting spirit but lacked the final pass to truly test the goalkeeper more often.

Victory lifts Sevlievo into the top half of the Vtora Liga standings, while Belasitsa remain in the middle of the pack but will be disappointed at the missed opportunity. The home fans went home satisfied with a purposeful performance that suggests Sevlievo can aim for a strong finish in the second half of the season.