Olim Novkarov gave Locomotive the lead after seven minutes but the Fergana side got back on level terms with a 75th minute strike by Sanjar Askaraliev.

With only nine minutes remaining, Locomotive were awarded a penalty and Umirzakov made no mistake, giving his team their second win in as many matches.

Pakhtakor could have joined Locomotive on six points but the eight-time champions were surprisingly held to a goalless draw at Andijan in the day’s only other game.

Defending champions Bunyodkor face Qyzylqum later today, looking to build on their 1-0 away win against Dynamo in their season opener last week.