Podhranice secured a 3-1 victory over Tatran Presov in the sixth round of the Second League on Thursday, a result that keeps both sides level on ten points after six matches. The hosts took the lead through M. Dumbuya in the eleventh minute, then extended their advantage when M. Regali found the net before half-time. Tatran Presov pulled one back late on through J. Michlik's penalty, but could not find an equaliser.
And here's the thing about the opening exchanges — Podhranice came out with purpose, pressing high and winning the early duel. Dumbuya's goal came from sustained pressure, and Regali doubled the advantage just after the quarter-hour mark. Tatran Presov struggled to establish rhythm, their possession barely edging the hosts at 48 per cent.
By then, the second half brought a different dynamic. Mrva restored Podhranice's two-goal cushion in the fifty-first minute, and Michlik's penalty in the sixty-fifth offered the visitors hope. The goal changed something, and Tatran Presov pushed forward, but the defence held firm. Three yellow cards — Shudeiwa, Michlik and Kamenicky — told the story of a game growing tense.
The substitutions came thick and fast in the final third. Podhranice brought on Griger, Ricardo Goncalves, Gomola, Franko, Port and Kuzma, while Tatran Presov responded with Michlik, Dumbuya and Suchy. By then, the result was beyond doubt. Podhranice made sure they gave nothing away, and the visitors ran out of time.
The statistics bear out the match. Podhranice registered 130 attacks to 113, and eight shots on target against three. They won more corners, six to four, and committed fewer offsides. Goals conceded from open play were few, and the hosts kept their heads when the pressure came.
Both sides now sit on ten points, Podhranice fourth and Tatran Presov seventh, but the gap will widen if one side falters. The hosts had already shown vulnerability, dropping points against Galanta and losing to Zilina II in their previous outings. This win picks up momentum, and they fancy their chances of pushing higher.