Malavan invincible at home, Esteqlal extends drought

IRNA - Malavan, still in relegation zone, has recently turned into an undefeatable side at home.
In the 18th week of Iran Pro League (IPL) held on Monday in this northern port city, Malavan held the trouble-hit Esteqlal of Tehran to a goalless draw.
Playing on Takhti Stadium pitch, the visitor blues that badly needed a spirit-raising win did not break the jinx and the two sides
shared the points as no ball passed the goallines.
Esteqlal was lucky enough not to lose in away match as the northerners missed scores of chances.
Referee Masoud Moradi and his two linesmen Esmaeil Safiri and Manouchehr Nazari judged the match.
ANZALI NOT A SAFE HAVEN ANYMORE Anzali is not a safe haven for the top teams anymore as the
bottom-placed Malavan is not -- at least at home -- an underdog but a giantkiller.
On March 17, Malavan stunned IPL leader Sepahan, winning the league derby 2-1 before the home fans in Takhti Stadium.
In the 15th-week match of Iran Pro League on February 23, the Bandar Anzali-based Malavan handed Pas a 1-0 surprising loss in Takhti Stadium of Tehran.
On February 18, Malavan knocked Persepolis out of the League Cup. Visitor Persepolis was held in the 12th week of second IPL as it tied 1-1 with Malavan of Bandar Anzali on January 18.
Winning 16 points out of 18 matches, Malavan is in the 12th place of table.