Novaci beat Ohrid 1-0 in the Cup's Round of 32 on Wednesday evening. The match finished with a single goal in the 88th minute, enough to decide who advances. It was a tight affair from start to finish, with both sides feeling each other out before the late breakthrough.
Ohrid had the edge in possession, holding 51 per cent of the ball throughout. They worked the ball around, but couldn't find a way back into it when it mattered. Novaci, by then, were content to sit deep and wait for their moment.
It was the hosts who made the difference. Seven shots on target compared to just one from Ohrid tells you where the danger lay. To be fair, the visitors did have their chances, but they were left exposed at key moments.
The statistics show a clear picture. Novaci registered seven shots off target alongside their seven on target. Ohrid managed only three off target and one on target. By then, the match had been decided.
Ohrid came into this fixture with momentum. They had won three of their last five matches, including a 3-0 victory over Teteks on September fifth. Novaci's record was less convincing — they had lost two and drawn one in their previous five outings.
The away side also had history with their opponents. They had beaten Novaci 2-1 in August and lost 1-0 in July. The history between them adds an edge to this tie.
Novaci's late goal closes the door on Ohrid's hopes of progression. The hosts will travel with confidence, knowing they can close the game out under pressure.
