Latvian goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics once again started in goal for FK Dukla Prague in the Czech First League, helping his side earn a 1-1 draw away to FK Pardubice, the club of Estonian international winger Robi Saarma.
Both Baltic players were named in the starting lineup. The 26-year-old Latvian international had been rested three days earlier when Dukla were knocked out of the Czech Cup, losing 1-2 to Jablonec. Meanwhile, Saarma’s Pardubice are set to play their Cup Round of 16 tie next week.
The hosts took the lead in the first half, when Czech forward Ladislav Krobot scored, ending Matrevics’ run of 266 consecutive league minutes without conceding a goal. Dukla equalized after the break when Belgian midfielder Simon Bammens accidentally turned the ball into his own net.
Neither side could find a winner, and the match finished 1-1, with both teams sharing the points.
For 24-year-old Robi Saarma, this was his 12th league appearance of the season, though he is still seeking his first goal contribution in Czech football. Matrevics, also in his debut season in the Czech league, made his 11th appearance and now has four clean sheets to his name.
Both clubs remain side by side in the league table – each with 12 points from 14 matches, occupying 11th and 12th positions respectively. Pardubice will next play Baník Ostrava in the Czech Cup on Wednesday, while Dukla Prague host Mladá Boleslav in league action on Saturday.
