Back at Jānis Daliņš Stadium following their Latvian Cup heartbreak, Valmiera FC, led by Gatis Kalniņš, bounced back in style — securing a convincing 4:1 victory over their closest rivals in the Altero.lv LIIGA, the reserve team of FS Jelgava.
The home side opened the scoring early in the 12th minute, following a prolonged corner kick exchange. The ball fell kindly to midfielder Rodžers Krasts, who calmly slotted it into the net — 1:0. The second goal came in the 25th minute, also from a corner — this time it was captain Mārcis Ērglis delivering the perfect cross, which defender Daniel Adelakun headed home with authority — 2:0.
Despite the scoreline, it wasn’t a one-sided affair. FS Jelgava’s young talents have kept pace with Valmiera all season and had previously given them one of their toughest matches. This encounter had a similar intensity, but unlike their hosts, the visitors couldn’t make the most of their chances — and Valmiera punished them for it.
In the 53rd minute, Ritvars Krists Zauska found himself unmarked in attack, took on the goalkeeper with ease, and made it 3:0. The visitors managed to pull one back in the 65th minute, as Marks Kurčanovs capitalized on a rare lapse in Valmiera’s defense — 3:1.
The final blow came just before the whistle. Niks Savaļnieks tapped the ball into an empty net after showing exceptional awareness of the play and the offside line — a moment of sharp thinking and communication from Valmiera’s attack and coaching staff alike. The kind of play that makes football beautiful.
This win brings Valmiera one step closer to their season goal — promotion to the Nākotnes līga — though the fight is far from over.
Next up: another Jelgava-based opponent, JFC Viola, awaits at 14:00 this Saturday at Jānis Daliņš Stadium.
Be there — the mission continues!
