Smiltene secured a 2-1 win over Ventspils in the First League on 2 August, moving ahead of their hosts on points despite sitting lower in the table. The visitors took the lead through V. Liepajnieks before R. Rams doubled their advantage after the break. B. Cakurs was sent off in the 69th minute but the result was already settled.
V. Gaismins opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving Ventspils an early advantage. But Smiltene responded quickly, with V. Liepajnieks finding the net just four minutes later. There was drama when Liepajnieks missed a penalty in the 41st minute — a chance to extend his side's lead that slipped away.
The match turned in Smiltene's favour in the 50th minute when R. Rams restored the visitors' advantage. By then Ventspils were chasing the game, and the situation worsened when Cakurs received a red card in the 69th minute. The home side had to finish with ten men but could not find an equaliser.
Ventspils sit 11th with 12 points from 18 games — two wins, six draws and ten losses. Smiltene are 13th on 10 points from 19 matches, with just two victories and four draws. The away side's recent form has been mixed, including a heavy 3-5 defeat to Rīgas FS II, but they showed resilience here.
The result leaves Ventspils one point above Smiltene in the standings, though the visitors now have a game in hand. For a side that had endured a barren spell of late results, this win brought a rare positive note.
