Lithuanian young talent Dovas Grudzinskas made his first appearance in the Austrian second division on Friday evening, and immediately marked the occasion with an assist as Liefering came from behind to beat ASK Voitsberg away from home 3-2.
The 17-year-old Lithuanian was named on the bench for the third time in the Austrian 2. Liga this season. After remaining an unused substitute in the previous two games, Grudzinskas finally made his professional debut in the 66th minute, entering the pitch with Liefering trailing 1-2.
The youngster, who is on loan from Red Bull Salzburg, made his impact in the 81st minute. Grudzinskas found teammate Jacob Zangerl on the right flank, and the Austrian forward drove inside towards the edge of the penalty area before firing a shot into the far corner to make it 2-2.
Grudzinskas was credited with an assist on his first professional appearance, adding a memorable moment to his senior debut. Liefering then completed the comeback deep into stoppage time, scoring the winning goal in the fifth added minute to escape with all three points.
The victory leaves Liefering second in the Austrian second division with 10 points from their opening five matches.
Grudzinskas and his teammates will return to action on September 13, when Liefering host St. Pölten.
