In the third round of Optibet futbola Virslīga Valmiera FC on the home ground took on FK Ventspils. Thanks to the late goal by Daisuke Yokota hosts celebrated their second victory (1:0) in the season.
Compared to the first two games of the season, Tamaz Pertia made two changes in his starting lineup — Rihards Matrevics has made his Virslīga debut and Joyskim Dawa played his first game for the club this season.
There was no doubt that Valmiera FC deservingly ended this game with three points in their pocket. Team stats don’t lie — Valmiera made 20 shots on goal, five times more than players in the yellow jersey. Also, the challenges win percentage is by far in favor of hosts of this game — 61%/39%. The score should be three to four times bigger unless Pertia’s men succeeded their scoring chances (in total nine).
The lonely goal of this game came at the late 88’ minute when subbed Eriks Punculs crossed the ball from the left side of the penalty area to the far post where flying in Yokota overtook Ventspils goalie Lazarevs and scrambled the ball into the net.
With seven points Valmiera FC along with BFC Daugavpils with the same record and Riga FC who had a perfect run with nine points are the only undefeated teams at the start of the new season.
In the next round on 10 of March (15:00) on away game, Valmiera FC will face FK Liepāja.
