UNITED DENIED BY LATE TRAKTORS GOAL
26 / 08 / 2016
Optibet Traktors 
A late Optibet Traktors goal rules out Ervīns Pērkons’ first half goal.
Date published: 26/08/2016 - 16:08
Optibet Traktors 1-1 Riga United
FC
Pērkons, 18'
In a physically fought battle between two clubs that know each
other well, Riga United were out to try and get 3pts against bottom
of the table Optibet Traktors. A goal in the first half from
in-form Ervīns Perkons gave United hope but they were dashed by a
late second half goal from Traktors.
Playing in the unfamiliar surroundings and new home of Optibet
Traktors, Ķeizermeža laukums, United started exactly how they
wanted. They started quickly and brightly, looking to play with
pace up to the forward line. With a few chances early on, United
were looking dangerous.
Their efforts paid off in the 18th minute, when Ervīns Pērkons made
it 1-0 after taking the ball on the right side and beautifully
lobbing the goalie from edge of the penalty area.
Chances followed in the first half, however, they would come to rue
the missed opportunities later in the game. Throughout the game
they had many chances, despite that, around five shots only managed
to find their way on target. Halftime came and United were in
control.
In the second half, Traktors continued to play their tough,
physical game and cause the Black Cats problems. They received a
couple of yellows, however, should have been more than two.
As the half wore on, Traktors started to look more and more
dangerous with their set pieces and long throws as United started
to tire towards the end.
Unfortunately, it was in the 82nd minute that Traktors got back
into the game. United kept on trying to fight, however, they
couldn’t find a way back and the game finished 1-1.
The result will be disappointing for Riga United FC. Though they
will take the positives from this game and they aren’t the first
team to draw with Optibet Traktors this season; SK Babīte and SK
Upesciems among them. The draw puts them ahead of SK Upesciems
again and with four games left and Monarhs-Flaminko (5th place)
still to play twice, they will still have their eye on a top 6
finish.
After the match, we caught up with Captain/Coach Alex Alunāns to
get his view: “We know when we play against Traktors that we should
expect a tough, disciplined team who will fight us at every stage.
At the same time though, we feel that two points were dropped.
However, at this stage of the season we have to take positives,
considering that our form has been inconsistent over the past few
weeks, we played well.”
He continued: “Perhaps a bit of fatigue set in towards the closing
stages, and in many senses we were very unlucky to concede the way
we did. There's still plenty of work to do and plenty to play
for.”