Soligorsk secured a 5:2 victory over Novopolotsk in the Extraleague on Tuesday evening. The result marks the opening fixture for both sides in what appears to be a fresh campaign. By then, the table would show both clubs at zero points after zero games played.
The home side took control early and maintained momentum throughout. And here's the thing — when a match opens like this, the tone sets itself. Soligorsk showed the kind of composure that comes from playing together regularly.
Novopolotsk had not lost their rhythm entirely. Their recent record includes three wins from five fixtures, including a narrow 3:2 victory over Lokomotiv Orsha. To be fair, they will have expected to take something from this encounter.
The visitors found the net twice but could not match Soligorsk's output. By then, the deficit had grown beyond reach. The home side's attack proved too sharp for a defence that had looked solid in previous outings.
The result leaves Soligorsk at the top of the standings on goal difference alone. Novopolotsk sit just behind in eighth place. And here's the thing — these positions mean little until the second round kicks off.