Tukums 2000 held on to a dramatic 3–2 victory over FK Metta, with head coach Kristaps Dišlers praising his side’s resilience and Ingars Pūlis’ scoring form, while opposite number Andris Riherts admitted his young team lacked composure at crucial moments.
Dišlers admitted the game had followed a familiar script. “Nothing went to plan – to concede in the first minute and then again in the last seconds of added time. That seems to be our thing this season,” he said. But the coach was full of praise for his players’ response, as Tukums overturned the early setback and secured three crucial points.
Much of the credit went to striker Pūlis, who won and converted a penalty and continued his prolific run despite missing a month of action. “He’s scored 16 goals already and is definitely the best striker I’ve worked with in four seasons,” Dišlers noted.
The Tukums boss admitted his side’s cautious mid-block approach was deliberate, prioritising points against a direct rival. He also highlighted the importance of home form ahead of upcoming fixtures with Super Nova and Grobiņa, games he labelled vital in the fight for survival.
Dišlers also praised assistant coach Pāvels Mihadjuks – former Dundee United and Latvian international – who led the team from the sidelines on matchday. “We had the whole week to prepare knowing I wouldn’t be on the bench. The assistants took more responsibility and handled it perfectly. That process really worked today,” he said.
Metta coach Riherts was left frustrated after his side let an early lead slip. He felt his team struggled with movement and creativity in midfield, and pointed to lapses in marking from set pieces. “When your opponent’s leading striker scores from a corner almost unchallenged, that’s decisive,” he reflected.
Riherts admitted his young forwards lacked the killer instinct. “Players like Ivulāns must decide these matches if they want to develop further. At 20 years old, you need to step up in these moments,” he said.
Both coaches acknowledged the wider picture at the bottom of the Virslīga table, where every point is vital. Dišlers stressed his side’s survival target remains within reach, while Riherts suggested Metta’s inexperience showed under pressure.
The result lifts Tukums above Metta in the standings and keeps alive their hopes of avoiding the drop, with the relegation fight set to go right to the wire.
