In a low-scoring Tonybet Virslīga Round 5 encounter, SK Super Nova secured their third consecutive victory with a narrow 1-0 away win over FK Grobiņa, thanks to a late penalty converted by Valerijs Lizunovs.
Under Maksims Rafaļskis, Super Nova have quietly built strong momentum after losing their season opener to FK Auda. Coming into this match unbeaten in their previous three games, they continued that run with another disciplined performance on the road. Meanwhile, Grobiņa, coached by Oskars Kļava, were forced into changes, notably missing captain Dāvids Družiņins due to injury. His absence handed 18-year-old centre-back Krišjānis Rupeiks his first appearance of the season.
The first half offered little in terms of clear-cut chances, with both sides largely limited to speculative efforts from distance. Grobiņa’s Rodrigo Gaučis, making his first start of the season, fired over the bar, while Eduards Emsis responded with a similar attempt for the visitors.
The pattern of the game remained largely unchanged after the break. Chances were scarce, and the match was dictated by physical duels and cautious play. Oļģerds Raščevskis came closest for Grobiņa with a long-range effort that forced a save from Sergejs Vilkovs, while Super Nova looked more threatening from set-piece situations.
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute and came in dramatic fashion. Canadian debutant Ali Aruna, introduced moments earlier, endured a nightmare start as he brought down Eduards Emsis inside the penalty area just seconds after coming on. The referee pointed to the spot, and Valerijs Lizunovs stepped up to confidently convert, scoring his first goal of the season and giving Super Nova the lead.
Grobiņa struggled to respond in the closing stages, failing to generate sustained pressure or clear opportunities to equalise. Super Nova, composed and organized, saw out the remainder of the match without major trouble.
The result extends Super Nova’s impressive run to three straight victories – all away from home – and lifts them to fourth place in the standings. They will look to continue their form on Tuesday when they host Riga FC, while Grobiņa face Ogre United a day earlier in Salaspils.
FK Grobiņa vs SK Super Nova – 0-1 (0-0)
Goal: Lizunovs 80′ (Penalty kick)
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  RFS |
5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| 2 |  FK Auda |
5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
| 3 |  Riga FC |
5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| 4 |  Super Nova |
5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| 5 |  Grobiņa |
5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 7 |
| 6 |  FK Liepāja |
5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 6 |
| 7 |  BFC Daugavpils |
5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | -3 | 6 |
| 8 |  FS Jelgava |
5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 12 | -9 | 4 |
| 9 |  FK Tukums 2000 |
5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 3 |
| 10 |  Ogre United |
5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 1 |
