Valmiera FC returned to Optibet Virsliga in the 23rd round match against FK Auda – both teams managed to score a goal each which led to a 1:1 draw at the Skonto stadium.
At the beginning of the game, we controlled the ball in our favor, creating chances, and trying to score the first goal of the game. Auda’s players used counter-attacks, showing from the start that nothing here today will be easy. Shots from different positions, the best of them for Luka Silagadze, who was close to scoring a goal with a long shot, but the goalkeeper’s head prevented him from doing what he had planned.
In the 14th minute of the game, the opponent’s player decided to do the same thing that Silagadze started – a beautiful, strong shot at the goal followed, unfortunately, our Rihards Matrevics was also powerless and the result became 0:1 for the rare time this season, which meant that we had to look for options to fight back.
Alvis Jaunzems was the first to attempt to solve the situation – Jaunzems sent the ball towards the goal, but it missed by a tiny margin. The 30th minute, however, brought a goal – Yokota broke into the penalty area with the ball and quickly played back to Penkevics in front of the goal, who powerfully hit the ball past the opponent’s goalkeeper, achieving a draw after the first half.
In the second half, the players of Valmiera FC came out furious, ready to tear the opponent apart, while Auda played poorly, mostly just trying to send the ball as far from their end as possible, sometimes showing their acting skills, because of the beginning it seemed that they wanted nothing more than a draw.
Tight, sharp attacks from different situations – both corners and standard situations, were a lot of work for the goalkeeper of the home team, the players of Auda responded with counterattacks. In the 52nd minute, an excellent opportunity for Yokota, a beautiful play, however, does not lead to a goal, the ball just misses the far corner of the goal.
At the end of the game, there were a lot of different emotions, some rudeness, and a rain of yellow cards on both sides – the head coaches of both teams got their “patches” as well. What was missing at the end of the game? The winning goal, because even though there were chances, the game ended with the result – of 1:1, which gave both teams a point.
Our next game will be played on Saturday (06.08), at 14:00, when at Jana Dalina stadium we will host FK Tukums 2000/Telms in a search for three points.
