Penza, 22 September 2015. PenzaNews. The Penza club “Diesel” lost to “Neftyanik” from Almetyevsk, 2:3, in the first home game of the 2015-2016 Supreme Hockey League season that was held at the “Diesel-Arena” sports and entertainment complex in the evening of Monday, September 21.

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The first goal of the match was shot by the visiting team’s Maxim Khapov.

The Penza players managed to return the favor only in the second period, with the help of Andrei Kuzmin.

The third period was marked with fierce battle, beginning with a score by Bulat Baykeev from “Neftyanik,” followed by a quick score from “Diesel” by Alexander Tarasov, 2:2. The final accord of the match was played by Dinar Khamidullin.

During the post-match press conference, the head coach of “Diesel” Andrei Nikishov congratulated the players of “Neftyanik” with their victory.

“This is our first home game, and the guys were pressured – they are young and couldn’t manage it. Of course [we are] disappointed – we sought to win, but there’s no winning without losing. We’ll learn and make changes for the next game,” he said.

Andrei Nikishov also thanked the fans of “Diesel” for their support.

In his turn, the head coach of “Neftyanik” Rishat Gimayev pointed out that the match remained tense throughout its three periods.

“Both us and ‘Diesel’ needed the points. The initiative was switching hands throughout the game. We were leading by the end, but slacked off once we came forward, and the opponents exploited it. We played till the end, for the victory. Full scale. This was a good game,” the press service of the Penza team quotes the opponents’ coach.

As a result, “Diesel” currently holds the 19th position in the rankings after five matches, with a total of 6 points.

The Penza team will hold its next game on the home rink against “Bars” (Tatarstan) at 19.00 of Wednesday, September 23.