Politehnica met again today at the “Știința” arena with an old acquaintance from League 3 – Metalurgistul Cugir, now ranked second in Series 9. For the first time in the new year’s verification games the white-violet team conceded a goal, but eventually won 4-2 (2-1) thanks to Erik Gerbi, Denis Giosu, Doru Andrei and Balsa Rogosic.

The first notable scoring chance belonged to Ursu (16th minute), who headed a ball from the penalty area wide of Opric’s right-hand post. The visitors opened the scoring in the 24th minute, following a free-kick sent into the corner by Păcurar. Poli replied after nine minutes through Gerbi, who equalised with a low cross-shot after being set up in the box by Ursu. Not two minutes later Giosu (35) made it 2-1 for the home side with a kick from the box following Zaluschi’s corner. Gerbi (38), a goal disallowed for a foul, and Ursu (39), a shot deflected into the corner, could have increased the advantage.

In the second half Nicula (49) wasted a great chance for the visitors. The white-violet were more insistent in the opponent’s half and Doru Andrei (66) scored for 3-1, with a shot from the penalty box following a collective action in which Sîntean was the man with the last pass. Both Andrei and Sîntean had further opportunities to score. Then the guests took advantage of a defensive error and reduced the handicap through Udrea (83). However, Rogosic restored the two-goal difference with two minutes to go and also set the final score with a finish from inside the box.

Our team was still without the services of Bîrnoi, Ignea and Mera, while Păduraru was also missing after a knock received in Hunedoara.

Politehnica’s last pre-season friendly will be on Saturday 19 February against CSC Ghiroda and Giarmata Vii.

POLITEHNICA: Devenish-Meares (72, Cuzmanovici) – Plumbuitu (46, Sofran), Giosu, Bocșan (46, Scutaru), Oanea (22, Pamfile; 68, Erceanu) – Ursu (46, D. Andrei), Lazăr (46, Iamandache), Zaluschi (46, Bakoș), Vukoje (46, D. Radu) – Gerbi (74, Rogosic), Olariu (46, Sîntean). Coach: Nicolae Croitoru.

Metalurgistul Cugir: Opric – Haj, Vlădia, Grozav, Neagu – Păcurar, Boldea – Taban, Șaucă, Nicula – M. Lupu. The following were also entered: Perjeriu – Selagea, Contra, S. Itu, Andriuc, Udrea and Al. Rus. Coach: Lucian Itu.

“It wasn’t necessarily that it was a release, there are things we work on in training. We were also concerned because in the previous two games we didn’t have very many achievements. What we were working on in training was only partially reflected in the game, just certain aspects. Today they came out for us and, for sure, there is a lot more work to do. We’re not necessarily changing a lot, but we’re trying to come up with something more on the offensive phase, while keeping security and discipline on the defensive organisation (…) If it were up to me, I’d want us to score three goals every game. We still have work to do at every moment of the game. And on defensive organisation, even if in all these matches the opponents haven’t created many or any scoring chances. Even the goals we conceded today didn’t come from the opponent’s actions that put us in difficulty, they were individual mistakes. But sure, they can occur during this period. If we’re talking about attack, we want to create as many chances as we can, to have consistency. I’m sure these things will get sorted out, but the concern is to get them sorted out as soon as possible because we have two weeks until the championship starts. If we’re talking about transition, we’re interested in that as well. We’re happy that today we were able to score at times like this, when we get the ball back and manage to surprise the opponent on the counterattack. There is always room for improvement. It’s very good that we have the attitude to try and make progress from week to week…”, said Nicolae Croitoru, Politehnica’s head coach.

“We are glad that we don’t have many injured players, because apart from Ignea and Oanea, unfortunately today, the rest of the players who had problems were injured for other reasons”, Croitoru added in reference to the unavailability.