Spartak Nalchik edged Chayka-M Peschanokopskoye 2-1 in the Russian Third Division B on Saturday evening, with Aslan Tkhazeplov scoring the decisive goal late in the second half at the Spartak Stadium.

Alan Karmov gave Nalchik a first-half lead, but Chayka-M responded after the break through Dmitri Sokolov. The home side regained control in the final 20 minutes, and Tkhazeplov’s well-timed run and finish secured a valuable three points in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Match Overview

Nalchik set up in a 4-2-3-1 and looked to use their wide players to stretch Chayka-M’s 5-3-2 block. The home side dominated possession in the early stages and created several half-chances before Karmov’s opener. Chayka-M defended deep and tried to counter through direct passes into the channels, but they struggled to maintain possession for long spells.

The visitors improved after half-time, pressing higher and forcing Nalchik into a few uncharacteristic errors. Their equaliser changed the mood of the game, but Nalchik’s response was strong and they finished the stronger side.

Key Moments

• 26’ – Nalchik lead: Alan Karmov picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the corner.
• 45’ – Chayka-M close: A header from a free-kick went narrowly over the crossbar.
• 57’ – Chayka-M equalise: Dmitri Sokolov converted from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
• 81’ – Nalchik winner: Aslan Tkhazeplov timed his run perfectly to meet a cross and guided the ball past the goalkeeper.
• 88’ – Late pressure: Nalchik defended a series of set-pieces to protect their lead.

Tactical Story

Nalchik’s control came from their midfield pairing, who recycled possession well and allowed the full-backs to push forward. The home side’s best attacks came from quick switches of play, which repeatedly found space on the opposite flank. Chayka-M’s back five held firm for long periods, but the constant movement of Nalchik’s front four eventually created gaps.

Chayka-M’s equaliser came during their strongest spell of the match, when they pressed higher and forced Nalchik into hurried clearances. However, the home side showed good composure to regain the initiative, and Tkhazeplov’s late goal was the reward for their persistence.

Standout Players

Karmov was influential throughout, linking midfield and attack and scoring the opening goal. Tkhazeplov’s match-winning contribution underlined his importance in the final third, while Nalchik’s goalkeeper made a crucial save in the second half to keep the score level. For Chayka-M, Sokolov’s goal was a bright moment on an otherwise difficult evening.

Season Impact

The win strengthens Nalchik’s home record and keeps them in touch with the leading group in the Russian Third Division B. Chayka-M will be disappointed to leave empty-handed after fighting back into the game, but they showed enough resilience to suggest they can recover quickly. Nalchik, though, will take real satisfaction from grinding out a win on a night when they were not at their fluent best for the full 90 minutes.