Politehnica Timișoara and Corvinul Hunedoara ended the match as they started, as far as the scoreboard is concerned, in the “Michael Klein” stadium. Unlike the test in Reșița, four days ago, this 0-0 recorded today by the white-violets was much more animated at the two goals.

Alin Ignea, after a thigh strain suffered in the test in Reșița, and Ervin Bakoș (injured), with pain after a training session, were added to the list of unavailable players. On the other hand, another midfielder, Adrian Zaluschi resumed training with his teammates and entered the second part of the game against the leader of the 9th Series of League 3.

The white-violet were better on the pitch in the first part of the game. In the 21st minute Sîntean was awarded a free-kick from a good position after he too was fouled, but sent it into the wall. Eight minutes later Iamandache recovered a ball and was fouled on the edge of the box by Trășcan. Our players asked for a penalty kick to be awarded, but it was only a free kick from outside the box and the Hunsederos were allowed to replace the sent off defender! Ursu (min. 30) did not take advantage of the set piece, sending the ball over the goal. The hosts’ biggest chance of the first half came when Hergheligiu (36) shot wide of Harrison’s right-hand post from distance.

The game was often fragmented by fouls, some awarded too lightly, and problems caused by the hard pitch. In the second half Andrei (49) threatened from distance, then, and amid changes, Florin Maxim’s pupils moved up into our half more often. However, Lazăr (72) had a chance to score, but his header was barely saved by goalkeeper Lefter. Towards the end, the hosts evened the score and the chapter of important chances, Păduraru (86) resisted Neacșa’s “free” and sent it into a corner. Then the game ended with Garutti’s header over the crossbar.

Absent for medical reasons: Ignea, Bakos, Bîrnoi, Rogosic, Mera and Erceanu. While fullback Tudor Moțiu is training with CSC Dumbrăvița in view of a loan to the team near Pădurea Verde.

Corvinul Hunedoara: Lefter – Iacob, Garutti, Trășcan (30, A. Vlad), Neacșa – Giura, Mogoș – Hergheligiu, Bedea, Buș – Roșu. The following were also present: Arnăutu, Da Mota, Bradu, Dumitru, Simon and R. Cristian. Coach: Florin Maxim.

POLITEHNICA: Devenish-Meares (46, Păduraru) – D. Radu (79, Plumbuitu), Bocșan (79, Giosu), Scutaru, Pamfile (59, Sofran) – D. Andrei (69, Olariu), Lazăr, Iamandache, Vukoje (59, Oanea) – Ursu (69, Zaluschi), Sîntean (59, Gerbi). Coach: Nicolae Croitoru.

The next friendly game of our team will be on Friday, February 11, at 13.00, at the “Știința” arena, against Metalurgistul Cugir.

“We will have to make an analysis of what happened today. We see what we can bring in addition to improve the game on the offensive phase. We are happy that we don’t concede goals. This is the third game we haven’t conceded a goal. We are concerned about finding solutions to solve the attacking phase as well, because this is the second game without a goal and it is clear that we have to find a solution. On the other hand, we are also in a period of preparation, fatigue has accumulated, two weeks of training camp, another two weeks with four games. We’re also trying out different team formulas so that we can integrate the new players, and we’re trying to see what we can do to get the best out of the attack. Let’s hope that the beginning of the championship will find us at the level we want!”, said Nicolae Croitoru, Politehnica’s head coach.

“Zaluschi returned, but yesterday was his first training session, and this was also known when he came in. We discussed before the match and he said that 15-20 minutes can last, but unfortunately it seems that he was quite optimistic, the period of inactivity has left its mark… We have quite a long list of unavailable players”, added the white-violet coach.

Photo: Corvinul Hunedoara