Shlonsk Wrocław saw off Pogoń Szczecin 2-1 in the Round of 64 of the Polish Cup on Wednesday evening. The hosts took an early lead through P. Samiec-Talar, who struck in the third minute after receiving a yellow card just moments before. Pogoń responded with two goals of their own, but Shlonsk held on for what turned out to be a vital result.
And here's the thing — that opening goal came so soon that Pogoń had to chase the game from the outset. Samiec-Talar's effort caught the visitors unawares, and Shlonsk were able to settle into their rhythm. The hosts had a yellow card of their own by then, but the momentum had shifted in their favour.
Pogoń came back through P. Mukairu in the 64th minute, and it looked like the visitors might have taken control. But Shlonsk refused to fold, and Y. Matsenko found the winner in the 84th minute. By then, both sets of legs were tired, and the game had become a battle of wills rather than technique.
The statistics tell an interesting story. Both sides held 50 per cent possession, but Shlonsk were more efficient with their chances. They registered four shots on target against seven for Pogoń, yet scored twice to their opponents' one. To be fair, Pogoń had more attacks — 71 compared to 39 — but they couldn't convert the extra opportunities into goals.
The result means Shlonsk progress in the cup, and it comes after a mixed run of form. They drew with Legia Warsaw and Łódź Widzew, lost to Zagłębie Lubin, and beat Raków Częstochowa 2-1 in their last outing. Pogoń, meanwhile, have been inconsistent too — a draw against Lubin, a 2-2 with Kraków, and a 3-1 win over Lublin Motor.
