Astra close on maiden Romanian title with win over Steaua

FC Astra stayed firmly on course for a maiden Romanian title triumph after scoring two penalties to secure a 2-0 home win over champions Steaua Bucharest on Saturday. The victory at the Marin Anastasovici Stadium in Giurgiu, a town on the banks of the Danube, stretched Astra's lead over second-placed Steaua to six points with three games remaining. Centre back Valerica Gaman slotted home a penalty on the stroke of halftime after Denis Alibec was brought down by Steaua keeper Florin Nita.