FK Sūduva came from behind and scored deep into stoppage time to defeat FA Šiauliai 2-1 in the opening match of the 20th round of the Toplyga, moving closer to the league’s top four.
The visitors took the lead after just seven minutes thanks to a costly mistake from Sūduva goalkeeper Ignas Plūkas. Attempting to play out from the back, Plūkas passed the ball directly to Daniel Romanovskij, who gratefully accepted the gift and rolled the ball into the net to make it 1-0.
Sūduva responded almost immediately. Another mistake in a dangerous area led to the equaliser, with Ibrahima Seck seeing his initial effort saved before Amadou Sabo reacted quickest to the rebound and blasted the ball into the roof of the net to level the score at 1-1.
The remainder of the first half saw Sūduva enjoy more dangerous attacking positions, but they struggled to seriously test Šiauliai goalkeeper Gustas Baliutavičius, who was making only his second league appearance of the season and his first since 2 May.
Šiauliai came close to restoring their advantage shortly after the restart. Nedas Garbaliauskas found himself with a golden opportunity in front of an open goal, but while stretching to reach the ball he could only send his effort wide, much to the relief of the home supporters.
Both teams continued to create dangerous situations, yet neither side was able to find the breakthrough as the match appeared destined for a draw.
That changed in stoppage time. Omran Haydary cut into the penalty area from the left wing and saw his effort blocked by Martynas Dapkus. The rebound fell awkwardly between Baliutavičius and Sūduva midfielder Steve Lawson, with the Togolese international reacting first and heading the ball into the net to secure all three points for the hosts.
The visitors were unable to mount a response in the closing moments. Tempers flared after the final whistle when Haydary and Šiauliai defender Lazar Vukovic became involved in a brief confrontation, requiring players from both teams to intervene.
The result extends Sūduva’s unbeaten run to seven matches. Their last defeat came on 2 May – against the very same Šiauliai side.
FK Sūduva vs FA Šiauliai – 2-1 (1-1)
Goals: Sabo 11′, Lawson 90+1′ | Romanovskij 7′
