FK Banga Gargždai secured a 2-1 home victory over FC Hegelmann in Matchday 10 of the Toplyga, making it two wins from two against their direct rivals this season.
Both sides entered the match close in the standings, with Banga sitting seventh on 11 points and Hegelmann just behind in eighth. Their previous meeting in the opening round had already gone Banga’s way with a 2-0 win.
The first half offered very little in terms of attacking quality, as difficult weather conditions made it hard for either team to create clear chances. Long-range efforts from Aaron Olugbogi and Esmilis Kaušinis failed to trouble the goalkeepers, with neither side managing a shot on target.
The biggest moment before the break came through VAR intervention. After a collision in the center of the field between Misaki Sato and Barry Isaac, referee Donatas Rumšas reviewed the situation but opted against a red card, instead showing yellow to the Hegelmann defender Isaac.
Hegelmann were also forced into a change late in the first half, as Artem Shchedryi was unable to continue after an ankle injury.
The second half started with immediate drama. Vilius Armanavičius thought he had given the visitors the lead, but VAR ruled the goal out due to a foul in the buildup.
Banga broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with their first shot on target. Rokas Filipavičius struck from distance, his effort hitting the post and bouncing into the net for his first goal of the season.
The hosts continued to threaten, but it was Hegelmann who nearly responded – Angel Puerto missing a huge chance from close range after a chaotic corner.
Moments later, Banga doubled their lead. A quick transition and eight straight passes ended with Olugbogi on the left flank, whose unpredictable effort – whether shot or cross – fooled goalkeeper Rokas Bagdonavičius and found the far corner, marking his second goal of the season – both against Hegelmann.
The visitors pulled one back in the 77th minute after another VAR decision awarded a penalty for handball. Armanavičius made no mistake this time, firing into the top corner to set up a tense finish.
However, Hegelmann were unable to create another clear chance, and Banga held on for all three points.
The win lifts Banga to fifth place with 14 points from 10 matches, while Hegelmann remain eighth with nine points.
Next up, Banga face FK Kauno Žalgiris at home on Friday, while Hegelmann take on FC Džiugas Telšiai.
FK Banga Gargždai vs FC Hegelmann – 2-1 (0-0)
Goals: Filipavičius 59′, Olugbogi 66′ | Armanavičius 77′ (Penalty kick)
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Kauno Žalgiris |
10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 28 | 5 | 23 | 25 |
| 2 |  Transinvest |
10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 17 |
| 3 |  Džiugas Telšiai |
10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 17 |
| 4 |  FK Sūduva |
10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 16 |
| 5 |  FK Žalgiris |
10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 15 |
| 6 |  FK Banga |
10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 14 |
| 7 |  FK Panevėžys |
10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 16 | -8 | 11 |
| 8 |  FC Hegelmann |
10 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 13 | -6 | 9 |
| 9 |  FA Šiauliai |
10 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 17 | -10 | 8 |
| 10 |  FK Riteriai |
10 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 24 | -21 | 3 |
