Lemajić header enough for RFS to beat Grobiņa

A single goal proved enough for RFS to return home from Liepāja with all three points, as they secured a 1-0 win over FK Grobiņa in Tonybet Virslīga Matchday 8.

RFS came into the match with a strong record against Grobiņa, having won all previous meetings over the past two seasons. They started on the front foot once again, controlling the game early on. While they created several chances, most of their shots failed to hit the target, and when they did, goalkeeper Ņikita Pinčuks was in excellent form.

Last season’s Virslīga top scorer Darko Lemajić, making just his third start of the campaign, was the most dangerous player for the visitors. He consistently used his physical advantage against the Grobiņa defence, but despite the pressure, the first half ended goalless.

RFS’ dominance finally paid off in the 60th minute. Following a corner delivered by Roberts Savaļnieks, Lemajić rose highest to head the ball into the net and give his side a deserved lead.

The visitors continued to push for a second goal, creating multiple opportunities, while Grobiņa relied mostly on counter-attacks. Their first shot on target came in the 76th minute, when Maksims Sidorovs made a strong run and fired from long range, but his effort was saved by Marko Maric.

RFS responded with further attacking waves led by Lemajic and Jānis Ikaunieks, but the score remained unchanged. Grobiņa’s task became even more difficult in the 83rd minute, when Rolandas Baravykas received his second yellow card for a foul, reducing the hosts to ten men.

In the closing moments, RFS nearly doubled their lead. Gauthier Mankenda beat his defender on the right flank and cut inside onto his left foot, but his shot struck the post.

At the final whistle, RFS secured their ninth win in nine Virslīga matches against Grobiņa, continuing their perfect head-to-head record.

Next up is a huge clash for both sides. RFS will host champions Riga FC in the first Riga derby of the season next Tuesday, while FK Grobiņa will take part in the first Liepāja derby of the season against FK Liepāja on the same day.

FK Grobiņa vs FC RFS – 0-1 (0-0)
Goals: Lemajic 60′

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	RFS	33	26	5	2	81	24	57	83
2	Riga FC	33	24	7	2	90	31	59	79
3	FK Auda	33	19	7	7	53	34	19	64
4	FK Liepāja	33	13	7	13	46	46	0	46
5	BFC Daugavpils	33	12	9	12	39	37	2	45
6	Super Nova	33	11	5	17	32	47	-15	38
7	FS Jelgava	33	8	8	17	34	56	-22	32
8	Grobiņa	33	6	11	16	25	56	-31	29
9	FK Tukums 2000	33	5	9	19	44	65	-21	24
10	Ogre United	33	4	6	23	33	81	-48	18