Tehran Times - Ali Alipour gave Persepolis football team a last gasp win in Iran Professional League (IPL) against Siahjamegan on Friday.

The IPL leader moved 11 points clear at the top of the table with this 1-0 victory in Mashhad’s Samen Stadium.

“We always try to make our fans happy. Persepolis deserved to win and I am very happy to return to Tehran with three points. We could have scored more goals,” Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic said in the post-match news conference.

In Tehran, Esteghlal were held to a 1-1 draw by Saipa at the Azadi Stadium.

Dariush Shojaeian gave the Blues the lead in the 23rd minutes but Reza Asadi headed past Esteghlal goalkeeper Mohsen Hosseini with five minutes remaining.

Hosseini also set a new Iran football record by going 845 minutes without conceding a goal.

Gostaresh Foolad drew 1-1 with Foolad, Sepahan lost to Zob Ahan 2-1 in Isfahan’s derby, and Sanat Naft were held by Pars Jonoubi Jam 1-1.

On Thursday, Paykan played out a goalless draw by Sepidrood Rasht, Naft Tehran defeated Tractor Sazi 2-0 and Esteghlal Khuzestan edged past Padide 1-0.

Persepolis cemented their place at top of the table with 44 points, followed by Foolad with 33 points.

Top