As part of the 10th round of the Tonybet Virsliga, Valmiera FC went to Rīga Hanza Secondary School, where we had to play another match of the season – FK Metta’s birthday duel. This game ended in a draw 1:1
Immediately after the starting whistle, everything went according to plan – speed, interplay, and the ball in creating an attack, the home team had few opportunities. Although there was a big advantage in ball control, the kicks did not follow the goal frame, we had to fight not only with the opponents’ defenders but sometimes with ourselves and the felt heat.
In the 20th minute of the game, the game was stopped for a moment – Metta’s first shot at the goal and then the performance of the fans. Objects were thrown on the field, fireworks, so the referee’s whistle followed. Perhaps this break brought adjustments to the game because Metta took the lead only a few minutes later. Our own mistake in the penalty area was that the ball was launched in front of the goal and then already in our goal.
Towards the end of the half, a dominant advantage in ball control again, but this time with threatening shots, only luck helped the home team stay in the lead.
In the second half, we made small adjustments, after which the pressure was like under a high-pressure press, we attacked and did it dangerously. This was also evidenced by Mettas noticeable style of play – the further the ball flew, the better, with a rare counterattack.
In the 61st minute of the game, a significant change, after recovering from an injury Alioune Ndoye came on the field, and a moment later he was joined by Jason Bahamboula – both created, created, until one of them formed a goal.
Already nearing the end of the game, there was a sharp attack – everything was started by Tonisevs, whose dropped ball reached him again after a couple of passing cycles. A cross into the penalty area follows, where Djibril Gueye dropped the ball in front of the goal. An opportunity to strike himself, but he didn’t skimp on the pass, allowing Ndoye to tap the ball into the net to level the score.
In the remaining time, it looked like Metta would sit even lower guarding the point but it didn’t happen, a bit more open football. We tried to pull out the victory, but we didn’t get it, there was not enough time. Balance in Hanza this season – one win, one draw.
