Several Latvian players competed abroad today. In Scotland, Kristers Tobers’ team Aberdeen continues to struggle, while Daniels Balodis did not make his debut for St. Johnstone because of a work permit. In another match, Aleksejs Saveļjevs made his first start in Romania. Additionally, Latvian players were active today in Cyprus, Singapore, and Finland.
Premiership, Scotland
In the Scottish Premiership, Kristers Tobers played a full match for Aberdeen F.C., who have been searching for their first league win since he joined the team. Their disappointing form continued with a 0-2 loss to Hibernians away from home.
Tobers, who joined in January, made his fourth league appearance, and despite not winning since November 9th, Aberdeen is surprisingly holding fourth place in the league table with 35 points.
Newly signed Daniels Balodis did not make his debut in Scotland yet, as his work permit has not been secured. Despite his absence, Simo Valakari’s St Johnstone F.C. achieved their second consecutive league victory, winning 1-0 against St. Mirren away from home.
The winning goal for the second straight game was scored by former FK Auda defender Božo Mikulič. Although St Johnstone is still last in the league table, they are now just five points behind the team above them – Ross County.
Super Liga, Romania
Aleksejs Saveļjevs made his first start for his new club Gloria Bužau as they lost 1-2 against FC Otelul in a Romanian Super Liga match. Saveļjevs played until the 55th minute before being substituted with the score level at 1-1. Otelul scored the winning goal in the 71st minute.
Gloria Bužau is currently at the bottom of the Romanian league table with 19 points from 24 games, just one point shy of FC Botosani.
Singapore Cup, Singapore
Dāvis Ikaunieks played a full match for DPMM in the Singapore Cup, where they drew against Tampines 1-1. The Latvian national team striker has made five appearances for his new club in Brunei but is still searching for his first goal.
Liiga Cup, Finland
Nils Veinbergs made his second appearance in the Finnish Liiga Cup, coming off the bench in the 79th minute as his team, Ilves, defeated AC Oulu 2-1. The 17-year-old forward, in the previous Liiga Cup match, which was his first official match for Ilves, scored twice late in the game, helping them overcome the Veikkausliiga champions KuPS.
Second division, Cyprus
Defender Artūrs Ļotčikovs made his second appearance for his new club, Othellos Athien, in the Cypriot second division. However, they suffered a 1-3 away defeat against Halkanoras. Ļotčikovs played the entire match as Othellos is currently fighting to avoid relegation, sitting 14th in the league table and six points behind 13th place, which would secure their position in the second division.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old defender Brets Dreimanis was left on the bench as Akritas Chloraka won 1-0 against Ypsonas. Having played in Cyprus for the past few years, Dreimanis has made five appearances for the club this season. Akritas is currently third in the second division league table, battling for promotion to the Cypriot top league with 33 points.