© EuroFootball.com
On June 23, in the quarterfinals of the LFF Cup, the leaders of Lithuanian football FK "Ekranas" and FBK "Kaunas" met.
Already in the 14th minute of the match, the Panevezys "Aukstaitija" stadium stands rejoiced - a beautiful goal was scored by goalkeeper Mindaugas Gardzijauskas, giving a goal to "Ekranas" fans longing for football. It was only in added time, in the 90+1 minute, that Rimantas Zvingilas scored the equalizing goal. The final score was 1-1.
During the post-match press conference, FBK "Kaunas" head coach S. Giršovičius was happy and even sentimental. The coach recalled that his sports career began in Panevezys 36 years ago. The "Kaunas" strategist expressed special nostalgia for this city and stadium, and praised "Ekranas": "From 'Ekranas' you can and should learn how to nurture the youth. We will also strive for that. 'Ekranas' has always been on the right track."
Immediately after the match, S. Giršovičius evaluated it not as deserved, but as a hard-fought draw: "We had no doubt that 'Ekranas' would play strongly. We were lucky. I am satisfied with the episodic play. Two completely different halves were played. We tried new players, which certainly had an impact on the match. In the second half, we successfully made changes and I think they worked. We are satisfied with the draw."
FK "Ekranas" assistant coach Albertas Klimavičius did not hide that he was not satisfied with the outcome of the match.
"Our goal was not to concede a goal. We did not achieve that. It is sad, but for the umpteenth time in a row, our goalkeepers did not play up to their potential. Although there was no emphasis on winning this match, we are still not satisfied with the current situation of 'Ekranas' play. The game of 'Ekranas' must improve," concluded Albertas Klimavičius.
FK "Ekranas" lineup: A.Skrupskis, A.Klimavičius, A.Skroblas, M.Kazlauskas, M.Savenas, A.Kucys, G.Tomkevičius (56 min. - G.Paulauskas), M.Gardzijauskas, P.Luksys, V.Kavaliauskas (88 min. - M.Uselis), A.Banevičius.
The return leg of the LFF Cup quarterfinals between FK "Ekranas" and FBK "Kaunas" will be played on June 30 in Kaunas.
