The first clash between the two LVBET League leaders — Valmiera FC and FK Metta — was highly anticipated. Many observers, including one of the country’s leading football journalists, had confidently predicted that Metta would leave Valmiera with no chance this season. Judging by the result, Valmiera’s players and coaching staff might well say thank you for that extra motivation — it clearly played its part in securing victory right at the peak of Metta’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Much of the pre-match perception was shaped by the pre-season friendly in which Valmiera suffered a heavy 0–6 defeat. But those who followed closely could see the changes — Valmiera had evolved significantly, adding several key players, including the standout central defender Lenny Manisa.
No one doubts Metta’s strength, and this match again showed the quality work of head coach Andris Riherts, who has built a well-organized and effective team. Valmiera had to work extremely hard for this win, spending much of the match defending. Haralds Kalniņš delivered a strong performance in goal, while on the other end, Metta’s keeper Krists Pļaviņš also made several important saves.
The turning point came in the second half. In the 53rd minute, following a corner, Manisa reacted quickest in the crowded penalty area and scored from close range — only the second goal conceded this season by the otherwise outstanding Pļaviņš. Just six minutes later, Toki Yamamura broke into the box and was brought down — penalty. Fraj Kairmani calmly converted, making it 2–0.
That was the moment when many pre-match predictions began to fall apart. However, Valmiera couldn’t continue their attacking momentum and instead had to withstand wave after wave of Metta pressure. One of those attacks paid off when Rūdolfs Kļavinskis scored with a powerful strike under the crossbar — 2–1.
But that was as close as Metta would get. They lacked just a bit more quality, luck, and time to equalize, while Valmiera held firm like a clenched fist until the final whistle.
With this victory, Valmiera FC remains the only team in the league with a perfect record. Whether that run will continue will be seen this Saturday, when last season’s runners-up JDFS Alberts visit Jānis Daliņš Stadium.
See you at the match!
