The rout, kickstarted by Holmatov in the 19th minute, took Neftchi to 34 points at the top of the table, two ahead of defending champions Pakhtakor who easily defeated Andijan 3-1.

Server Djeparov hit a brace and Alexander Genyrikh scored one in Pakhtakor’s win.

Kuruvchi stayed in touch with the top-two with a 4-0 mauling of Shurtan.

In other matches, Mashal edged Traktor 2-1, Kyzylkum beat Metallurg 1-0, Nasaf ran out 1-0 winners against Tupalang and Vobkent scraped out a solitary goal win against Navbahor.

STANDINGS: 1. Neftchi 34, 2. Pakhtakor 32, 3. Kuruvchi 29, 4. Mashal 26, 4. Kyzylkum 25