For the second weekend in a row, Valmiera FC travelled to Riga — this time to face the reserves of another Virslīga flagship, FC RFS, at LNK Sporta Parks. Just like in the opening match, Valmiera once again had to come from behind, dig deep, and prove who was the stronger side. This time, they did so convincingly, returning home with a 5–1 victory.
Compared to the first match, several changes were made to the starting lineup. Lenny Manisa started in central defense, alongside midfielder Vladimirs Stepanovs, while Artūrs Bērziņš marked his return to his hometown club in the holding midfield role. Due to injury, first-match hero Wataru Abe was unavailable.
RFS-2 began the match confidently, while Valmiera struggled to find their rhythm early on. The hosts managed to play through Valmiera’s high press on several occasions, though they often lost the ball around midfield, allowing Valmiera to launch attacks of their own — albeit without success in the final third throughout the first half.
It was therefore deserved when RFS-2 opened the scoring. In the 24th minute, Kirils Kirsanovs struck a superb long-range shot, leaving Haralds Kalniņš with no chance — 0–1.
Then came the second half.
After a halftime reset from coach Gatis Kalniņš, a completely different Valmiera team stepped onto the pitch — and it showed immediately. With over 20 shots in the game, it was only a matter of time before the goals came. In the end, they came in abundance.
First, Rojs Bušs equalized following a corner routine — 1–1. Then, almost as if scripted — just like in the match against Riga FC-2 — Mahamadou Dembele made it 2–1. Shortly after, Rodžers Krasts delivered from the left flank, and Stepanovs finished clinically in front of goal — 3–1.
In the 78th minute, Fraj Kairmani extended the lead to 4–1, finishing a pass from Daniils Cepeļevs. Cepeļevs was also involved in the final goal, setting up Igors Kūlītis, who made no mistake to seal the emphatic 5–1 result.
A strong start to the season. Will the momentum continue? We’ll find out after Easter, when on April 12 at 14:00, Valmiera FC will play their first home match of the season at the Valmiera Olympic Centre stadium, facing FK Smiltene/BJSS in the Vidzeme derby.
Smiltene has collected two points from two matches so far.
See you soon!
