Podhale Nowy Targ saw off Pogoń Grodzisko Mazowieckie 3-1 in the Round of 64 of the Cup on Tuesday evening. The home side took control with a goal in the ninth minute and extended their advantage after the break, while Pogoń's lone reply came midway through the first half. The result moves Podhale deeper into the competition and ends Pogoń's run of draws.
A. Oshafi opened the scoring for the hosts in the ninth minute, and it was a start that paid for a sloppy opening. Pogoń responded with K. Talar's equaliser at the 26-minute mark, but Podhale were not shaken. They kept their shape and let the game flow into their favour, waiting for the right moment.
The second half belonged to Podhale. P. Vosko restored the lead at the 50-minute mark, and M. Surzyn added a fourth goal just four minutes later. The away side looked out of ideas after falling behind again, and the match turned into a routine evening for the hosts. Podhale ran riot in those closing stages, and Pogoń had no answer to the tempo.
Recent form suggests the result was not surprising. Podhale have won four of their last five matches, including a 4-1 victory over Zagłębie Sosnowiec and a 2-0 win against Honecznik Chojnice. Pogoń, by contrast, have drawn three of their last five games, with their last two victories coming against Medź Legnica and Puszcza Niekomplice. The contrast in momentum was clear from the opening exchanges.
The scoreline of 3-1 gives Podhale a comfortable margin and sends them through to the next round. Pogoń's campaign comes to an end, and they will need to regroup quickly. The Cup provides an opportunity to build momentum, and Podhale have taken it firmly in their hands.