The match-day 14 clash marked the first match of the season when FK "Spartaks" hosted a home game in their main ground - "Sloka" stadium, and the team did not disappoint, even though the opposition on the day was one of the hottest teams in the league at the moment - FC "Valmiera".
The match started with both teams showing their ability to create chances in the attacking third, with the hosts having the best opportunities. This persistence paid dividends as on minute 14 Richard Friday was brought down in the area and referee Andris Treimanis pointed to the spot immediately. Richard took it upon himself to take the penalty kick and left "Valmiera" keeper Rihards Matrevics no chance. After this unexpected start "Valmiera" made drastic changes to their team line-up, but could not create any noteworthy chances, while "Spartaks" continued to create good chances and only the crossbar and "Valmiera" keeper Matrevics kept the game close.
The second half started with heavy rain and this made the game into a real battle, with players fighting for position and possession. This made the game even more physical and at times unnecessarily chippy. As a result one of the "Valmiera" coaches was sent to the stands. With the final whistle approaching, "Valmiera" started to apply steady pressure on "Spartaks" goal, with two very good chances being wasted in the span of a few minutes, when "Valmiera" players could not convert from just a few meters out. This did not deterr "Spartaks" from creating chances of their own with both Leonel Wamba and Abiodun Ogunniyi failing to put the game to bed. The final moments were a battle on the pitch, but "Spartaks" managed to hang on and claim their third victory of the season.
This means that "Spartaks" have finally snapped their four game losing streak and climbed to 6th place in the league standings. The next game for "Spartaks" will take place on the 29th of May against FK "Ventspils" in their OC "Ventspils" stadium. Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 18:00 and will be broadcast on sportacentrs.com.
"Spartaks" - "Valmiera" 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Friday14' (11m)
Cautions: Markhiyev- Zhelizko, Gueye, Dawa, Toņiševs
Spartaks: Ošs, Skrebels, Rivoira, Bērenfelds, Camara(Dross 87'), Markhiyev, Abdullahi, Ogunniyi, Kerbache(Igbineweka 76'), Friday, Wamba(Edhere 85`).
Valmiera: Matrevics, Jaunzems, Gadrani (Balodis 24',Punculs 58'), Dawa, Fall, Zhelizko, Kozhebud(Silagadze 31'), Mena (Yokota 31'), Gueye, Sow, Krollis (Toņiševs 58').
Referee: Andris Treimanis