The second half of the LVBET League season has begun in style for Valmiera FC, with two home victories at Jānis Daliņš Stadium over the reserve teams of Latvia’s top clubs — Riga FC and FC RFS. Even the presence of Latvia national team goalkeepers Krišjānis Zviedris and Rihards Matrevics, who featured for the visitors, was not enough to stop the hosts.
The first challenge came against Riga FC-2, featuring one of their standout players and Valmiera academy graduate Ēriks Maurs-Boks. Neither Ēriks nor his teammates could find a way to disrupt Valmiera’s well-oiled machine, orchestrated by Fraj Kairmani, whose influence extended across every area of the pitch.
Brazilian forward Gleilson beat Zviedris twice and came close to recording his second consecutive hat-trick. Late in the match, Kairmani also created a clear scoring opportunity for Mahamadou Dembele, while Haralds Kalniņš delivered another composed performance between the posts. It was far from an easy afternoon, but ultimately another convincing home victory for Gatis Kalniņš’s side.
A week later, the blue RFS team bus rolled into Valmiera carrying three familiar faces — goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics and former Valmiera players Niks Sliede and Niks Dusalijevs. The two outfield players entered after the break, while Matrevics guarded the visitors’ goal from start to finish, producing several excellent saves to keep his team in contention.
Unlike Riga FC-2, RFS-2 fielded a significantly stronger lineup, including at least seven players from their first-team rotation. Georgian midfielder Lasha Odisharia led the side, while newcomers Duje Korać and Alpha Baldé combined to create RFS’s only goal of the match.
Valmiera opened the scoring after Dembélé’s persistence inside the penalty area earned a penalty kick. Fraj Kairmani confidently converted from the spot. Just before half-time, with the score tied at 1–1, a lightning-fast passing move ended with Dembélé setting up Gleilson, whose first-time finish left Matrevics helpless. The Brazilian celebrated his goal in spectacular fashion with a double backflip.
RFS controlled large periods of the match, especially after the interval, but Valmiera’s defensive unit stood firm. Haralds Kalniņš once again produced an excellent display, and despite sustained pressure, the home side protected their lead until the final whistle.
This victory, combined with FK Metta’s 2–2 draw against Riga FC-2, lifted Valmiera FC to the top of the LVBET League standings. Both teams now have 38 points, but Valmiera finishes the round in first place.
The league continues this Saturday, August 8 at 18:00, when Valmiera travels to Tepera Stadium in Smiltene for another Vidzeme derby between neighboring cities.
It promises to be a true football celebration — don’t miss it. See you at Tepera Stadium!
