PPP edged Super Nova 2-1 in the 1. liga's Regular Season Round 18 on Saturday, 29 August. The result keeps the home side third on 42 points from 18 games while Super Nova remain seventh with 24 from 19 matches. And here's the thing — it felt like more than a routine win.
O. Kellers opened the scoring in the 26th minute, putting PPP ahead after a period of cautious probing. N. Glindzins doubled the lead just two minutes later in the 28th, catching the visitors off guard. By then Super Nova were scrambling to find their shape. S. Aogaki pulled one back for the away side in the 42nd, but it came too late to change the outcome.
PPP's form has been steady, with five consecutive results showing only one loss in their last five — 4-2 against Smiltene, 1-0 over Marupe, and three narrow 2-1 victories. Super Nova have been more unpredictable, drawing with Skanstе and losing to Marupe before beating Ventspils 2-0. To be fair, the away side showed resilience against stronger opposition recently.
The goal difference tells part of the story: PPP sit eight points clear of Super Nova despite playing one fewer game. Those three goals from the home side came from different scorers, which speaks to balanced attacking options. Super Nova's single strike felt isolated rather than part of a sustained pressure.
What matters now is whether that late reply from Aogaki signals a shift in momentum for the visitors. PPP will be wary of complacency after building such a comfortable cushion. The table doesn't lie — third place carries weight when the season stretches on.