Bulgarian First League Round 26: Cherno More Varna 1-0 PFK Montana A solitary goal was enough for Cherno More Varna to secure a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over PFK Montana at the Stadion Ticha in Varna. The match, played under the lights on a brisk March evening, was a tense and closely-fought affair, with the home side's resilience in defense proving decisive as they held onto their early lead to climb the league table. This result provides a significant boost to Cherno More's ambitions for a top-half finish, while Montana's struggles on the road continue. The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd minute, stemming from a well-worked set-piece. A deep corner from the right was met with a powerful header by central defender Ivan Ivanov, who rose highest to nod the ball past the Montana goalkeeper and send the home fans into raptures. Montana responded with increased pressure, dominating possession for large spells of the second half. They created several half-chances, with their best opportunity coming from a curling free-kick that rattled the crossbar in the 68th minute. However, Cherno More's organized defensive block, marshaled superbly by the goalscorer Ivanov, stood firm. Goalkeeper Dimitar Sheytanov made a vital late save in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet and the three points. The match's key focus was Cherno More's defensive discipline. Despite being pinned back for long periods, they limited Montana to few clear-cut opportunities. The performance of Ivanov was particularly noteworthy, as he contributed at both ends of the pitch. For Montana, their lack of a clinical edge in the final third was their undoing, a recurring issue in away fixtures this season. The result sees Cherno More Varna move up to 8th place in the Bulgarian First League, while PFK Montana remains perilously close to the relegation zone, increasing the pressure on their manager. Post-match, the Cherno More coach praised his team's "heart and tactical intelligence," while the Montana manager lamented his side's inability to convert dominance into goals.