Suleymanov seals first Nizhny win in seven games

Sunday 5 December, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
Nizhny Novgorod 2-1 Rubin Kazan

Goals: Nizhny Novgorod - Kalinsky (pen) 2', 41'; Rubin - Dreyer 28
Man of the Match: Nikolay Kalinsky (Nizhny Novgorod) 

After one point in their last six RPL matches, and no wins at home since the opening weekend back in July, Nizhny Novgorod wasted no time taking the lead against Rubin. 

Nikolay Kalinsky struck from the penalty spot in the second minute after Georgia Zotov had tripped Timur Suleymanov just inside the box. 

Rubin were back on level terms before the half hour mark through a predictable source in less predictable circumstances. In-beom Hwang sent a headed clearance back into a crowd of defenders before a kind deflection took it straight into Anders Dreyer's path. Although slightly off balance, the Dane steered a calm finish into the far bottom corner. 

Shortly before the break Kalinsky put the hosts back in front again. A period of pressure saw Nizhny Novgorod recycle possession across the box twice until it fell to Kalinsky, whose powerful low shot was initially blocked wide by Yuri Dyupin. Kalinsky made no mistake from the rebound though, lashing it low past Dyupin from a tight angle. 

Djordje Despotovic came off the bench after half time for his first appearance in over two months, but was unable to affect the outcome. 

Nizhny Novgorod stay go 13th/12th/11th on 18 points, while Rubin remain 10th on 22 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 11 December - Krylia Sovetov vs Rubin; Sunday 12 December - Krasnodar vs Nizhny Novgorod