Ex-Chelsea man Victor Moses the architect of Spartak’s win; West Brom’s Semi Ajayi stars in Barnsley rout

The former Nigeria international delivered a man-of-the-match performance to inspire the Muscovites to an excellent away victory at Ural

Nigerian wing-back Victor Moses scored one and assisted another to power Spartak Moscow to a fine 3-1 win over Ural at the Ekaterinburg Arena in a matchday 28 encounter of the Russian Premier League.

A mid-season slump had condemned Spartak to a mediocre campaign with a finish in the European places out of their reach.

But Paolo Vanoli’s men made the trip to Ekaterinburg on the back of two wins in their last three matches and made it three victories in four thanks to two moments of brilliance from their Nigerian import.

Ex-Chelsea and Inter Milan man Moses set up Jamaican striker Shamar Nicholson in the 26th minute to double the advantage for the People’s Team after the same player had given the visitors an 11th-minute lead.

The former Super Eagles forward made it three-nil for Spartak at the half-hour mark as the Gladiators went into the break with a healthy advantage.

Goglichidze struck one back for the home side, but Spartak held on to seal their seventh win of the season.

In the Championship, versatile Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi’s impressive performance helped West Brom record a commanding 4-0 win over Barnsley at The Hawthorns.

Ajayi, who partnered O’Shea at the heart of the Baggies four-man defence, was solid as a rock as the home side secured their third clean sheet on the bounce.

The former Arsenal centre-back was also credited with the assist for Ahearne-Grant’s goal, West Brom’s fourth of the afternoon.

Despite the victory, West Brom are out of contention for a promotion playoff spot, with the Baggies trailing sixth-place Luton Town by eight points with just two more matches in the regular season to play.