Lithuania’s Pirma Lyga opened at speed, with the second round bringing first wins of the campaign and a string of important contributions from younger players.
The standout display came from Be1 forward Tomas Gudaitis, who scored twice in a 3-1 home win against BFA. BFA had gone ahead in the 32nd minute through 16-year-old Justas Gerbutavičius, whose header was the division’s first goal of the new season. Gudaitis replied four minutes later and struck again in the 56th minute, with Be1 newcomer, centre-back Serhii Chyzhyk (18), scoring on his debut to add one more.
Another teenage scorer followed in Kaunas, where 16-year-old Vėjas Pocius equalised in the 80th minute for Kauno Žalgiris B against Tauras. The visitors, last season’s bronze medallists, still took the points when defender Dovydas Druktenis joined the attack and converted in the 87th minute for a 2-1 win.
Newly promoted TransINVEST B also made an impression in a 3-3 draw with Dainava. Head coach Lechas Pečuro said his players had coped well with the pace and tension of the league after stepping up from the third tier only a few months ago. Dainava, who got relegated from the top flight after last season, looked in control after Christopher Ellah scored twice, but 17-year-old Deividas Česnauskis helped turn the match by winning a penalty on the hour and then scoring himself soon after.
There was also frustration for another of the league favourites as Neptūnas were held to a goalless draw by Šiauliai B. The hosts defended resolutely, with 20-year-old goalkeeper Vilius Šivickas producing a string of saves to keep out the experienced visitors.
At the top, Minija moved ahead after the biggest win of the round, a 4-0 victory over Žalgiris B. Veteran forward Lee Minwoo scored twice and led the attack throughout. Babrungas joined them on the same mark after a 3-0 away win against Ekranas, with new signing Rokas Župerka scoring on his debut after arriving from Nevėžis.
Atmosfera completed the round in convincing fashion with a 3-0 win away to Hegelmann B in Raudondvaris. Musashi Fujiyoshi and Kanta Seki were both on target as the visitors fielded five Japanese players. Jonava, by contrast, made a losing start against Garliava, who went ahead through last season’s top scorer in the second tier, Lukas Odincovas, before 19-year-old defender Airimas Pilipavičius sealed a 2-0 result deep into stoppage time. Garliava finished the match without coach Marius Bezykornovas, who was sent off after disputing a decision.
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Source: https://www.lff.lt/pirmos-lygos-sezono-starta-papuose-jaunuoliu-ivarciai/
