On Sunday Valmiera FC played the 26th round match of Optibet Virsliga. In the game, Valmiera went up 2:0 and it felt like the three points were almost in the pocket. Things took a dramatic turn and FS Jelgava answered with two of their own to end the match at level – 2:2.
Prior to the game, both teams shared a win each heading into the third meeting. The home team at Jana Dalina stadium entered the game without their captain – Daniels Balodis, so once again the pairing of Roberts Veips and Niks Sliede got to work. Coincidentally – both were crucial players on both ends of the pitch.
After the kick-off, Valmiera and Jelgava fought to establish their presence and make a statement as the leader on the pitch. If visitors started in a better manner then the home side had to get into the swing of things.
Early on some trouble near Carlos Olses’ goal where Veips had to use his long foot to keep the ball out of the goal. A lucky break on one of the rare occasions. Teams were more involved in running than attempting to score.
Things came down to which team would execute better and initially, it looked like Valmiera would – a cross from the corner by Fraj Kairmani to the middle of the penalty area, and Niks Sliede went up in the air and assigned the ball to its destination. Seal the deal – 1:0 lead after the first half.
No substitutions for the second frame – Jurgis Kalns was okay with what he had seen early on, but had no clue, what was to come down later. Carlos Olses once again elected to tickle the nerves of Valmiera fans – in the end, everything was safe.
Thirty minutes after the first one, the second goal arrived just as ordered. Another cross from a corner with fans demanding a second one. This time Fraj Kairmani crossed to the close post and Roberts Veips made an effort to jump up and use his head to double the lead. A huge moment for the defender.
Celebrations? Those were cut off with a knife. Straight from the center-line a quick offensive effort by Jelgava and one goal was scored while the home team took a happy nap.
Jelgava kept pushing and pushed hard although, for the cyan side, it was a more entertaining attacking effort, things just wouldn’t connect. Until they connected for the opposing squad – a steady pass from the right side to Ryuga Nakamura who stood at the entrance of the penalty box and unleashed a precise kick into the goal.
Following the equaliser Valmiera did try to recover and steal the win but that was a little too late. Balls simply wouldn’t find their path to hit the net and a draw was fixed on the scoreboard.
Our next game will be played on Thursday when on the road in Albania team will play the second leg of the UEFA Conference league qualifier against FK Partizani.
