In their fourth match of the season — and first back in front of home fans at the Valmiera Olympic Centre Stadium — Gatis Kalniņš’s side once again delivered a victory, defeating FK Aliance with a convincing 3:0.
Valmiera FC opened the match with intensity, launching wave after wave of attacks on the visitors’ goal. It didn’t take long to pay off — in the 9th minute, after a precise cross from Rojs Bušs on the right flank, Oskars Stupelis headed the ball into the net to make it 1:0.
There was no doubt about which team was in control, but turning that dominance into goals took time. FK Aliance showed real grit in defense, and their goalkeeper pulled off a number of solid saves to keep the match alive.
Eventually, a few tactical substitutions by coach Kalniņš at the start of the second half brought fresh energy into Valmiera’s attack. That spark finally led to a breakthrough in the 75th minute, when Igors Kūlītis found the bottom corner with a clinical strike — 2:0.
The final goal came in the 83rd minute and had a hint of comedy. After Yusuke Omori’s free kick was parried by the goalkeeper, the ball bounced off Niks Savaļnieks’s chest, ricocheted off the post, and looped over the line in dramatic fashion. A brief moment of confusion followed, but the referee ultimately confirmed the goal — 3:0.
With four wins in four matches and 12 points, Valmiera FC tops the table ahead of reserve teams FS Jelgava (9 pts) and JDFS Alberts (7 pts).
Next up: the start of the Latvian Cup campaign, as Valmiera welcomes neighbors FK Limbaži this Friday at 20:00 at the Valmiera Olympic Centre. Everyone’s invited for a thrilling evening kickoff!
