Ilirija secured a comfortable 2-0 win against Rudar in the third round of the Second SNL on Saturday. T. Cuk scored both goals for the hosts, who moved up to second place with four points from three matches. The result extends Ilirija's strong start to the season while Rudar remain in eighth position.
The opening chance fell to Ilirija in the twenty-sixth minute when a penalty was missed. That moment set the tone for a match where the home side controlled proceedings. T. Cuk finally converted in the thirty-seventh minute, giving Ilirija a deserved lead before half-time.
Rudar responded with urgency after the break, but Ilirija's defence held firm. The hosts doubled their advantage in the seventy-third minute when T. Cuk struck again, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. The second goal came shortly after a period of sustained pressure from the home side.
Ilirija now sit second in the table with nine points from four games, three wins and one defeat. Rudar remain eighth with six points from four matches, two victories and two losses. The gap between the sides has widened to three points after this result.
Ilirija's recent form shows improvement, with wins against Bistriţa and Dravinja following a heavy defeat to TSC Bačka Topola. Rudar have also shown resilience, beating Krka 3-0 before losing to Beltinţi and Bistrica. Both sides enter the next round with momentum in different directions.