Žalgiris II secured a comprehensive win against Šiauliai II in the 1 Liga Regular Season on Thursday. The visitors ran out 4-1 winners at the home ground, with their attack proving far more clinical than the hosts could manage. It was a result that reflected the gap between the two sides in the table.
Šiauliai II started brighter, taking the lead through J. Usavicius in the 44th minute. But Žalgiris II responded immediately after the break. S. Seck struck in the 62nd minute, followed by K. Gustas in the 71st. V. Berenta then added two goals of his own in the closing stages, first in the 77th and then in the 87th to seal the match.
Šiauliai II dominated possession at 52 per cent and registered 103 attacks compared to 93 for the visitors. They also took more corners, 12 versus 6. Yet the statistics tell only part of the story. Žalgiris II converted their chances far more effectively, scoring four goals from seven shots on target while Šiauliai II managed just one from six attempts. By then, the match had already been decided.
The result leaves Šiauliai II rooted to 16th place with 14 points from 23 games. They've won just three matches this season and sit 26 points adrift of the leaders. Žalgiris II hold sixth with 40 points and have now won four of their last five fixtures. They're building momentum at the right time.
Šiauliai II will need to regroup quickly. They've lost three of their last five matches and are staring at the drop if this form continues. Žalgiris II, meanwhile, have nothing to lose and are playing with confidence. The gap between them is widening by the week.