Loznica cruise past Metalač GM in six-goal thriller
Loznica took all three points on the road against Metalač GM with a 4-2 victory in the Прва Лига regular season round six on Saturday. The match at the Metalač stadium produced six goals and kept the home side from extending their poor run, though they remain rooted to 14th place with just four points from six fixtures.
Loznica struck first through O. Lukovic in the 40th minute before A. Katanic doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time. Metalač pulled one back through M. Jelenic in the 66th minute, but Katanic responded immediately to restore the two-goal cushion. Lukovic added a second in the 86th minute to settle the contest, while S. Purtic netted late in stoppage time to complete the scoring.
The match saw several tactical adjustments around the hour mark, with Metalač bringing on both L. Milojevic and S. Bastic in the 60th minute. Bastic picked up a yellow card in the 70th minute, and Loznica saw Katanic replaced in the 72nd. The home side made three changes in quick succession late on, while Loznica introduced S. Stojanovic on the final whistle.
Metalač dominated possession at 56 per cent and registered 113 attacks compared to Loznica's 99, but the visitors were more clinical with 11 shots and five on target. The home side managed six shots on target from eight attempts but could not find the net consistently. Metalač also earned six corners to Loznica's three, suggesting sustained pressure without the final product.
The result leaves Loznica in ninth place with seven points from six games, a point clear of Metalač who remain in 14th. The visitors came into the match unbeaten in five matches and extended that run, while Metalač have now lost four of their last five outings. The away side's defensive resilience was evident as they kept clean sheets in three of their previous five matches.