Today in the Serbian Banat, the blue-and-whites suffered their first defeat in this summer’s friendlies. OFK Kikinda, who returned to the third division in the neighbouring country, won 2-0 against Politehnica with goals scored by Pavlovic (14th minute) and Morovic (58th).

The two teams from different sides of the border met eight years ago on two occasions. In May it was 2-1 for the Serbian hosts, then in August 2013 it was the turn of the white and blue to win 4-3. At that time our team was newly promoted to the IV League, while the Kikinda team was still in the third tier.

Today, at the old Gradski Stadium in Kikinda, in front of about 300 spectators, Dorin Toma’s pupils did not escape the heat. The hosts opened the scoring from a corner in the 14th minute when Stefan Pavlovic shot the ball into the net from the edge of the box.

In the second half both teams made several changes. Just before the hour mark, Morovic added to the hosts’ lead following a counter-attack with a perfectly struck ball from the edge of the box past the onrushing Harrison. The Blues then had the initiative but failed to score. Ioan Mera went close in the 67th and 79th minutes, but each time Kikindei’s goalkeeper was providential.

Politehnica: Harrison – Sofran, Moțiu, Bocșan, Oanea – Luchin – Manea, Hațegan, R. Rus, D. Andrei – Serediuc. The following players were also present: Păduraru – Jurj, Mera, Scutaru, Pamfile, Ignea, D. Radu, Bîrnoi, Zaluschi, S. Costea and Axente. Coach: Dorin Toma.

OFK Kikinda: Savkov – Bajat, Krstic, Laninstanin, Stepancev, Rafael, Pavlovic, Novakovic, Stevanovic, Ivanovic, Dukic. Also entered: Reljic, Acimovic, Molnar, Frankowski, Krantic, Lisica, Jaric, Radulaski, Belic, Morovic, Glisic, P. Bajic, M. Bajic and Radulovic. Coach: Marko Gutesa.

“It was a pretty good game, unfortunately some aspects spoiled the game. In our period we did pretty well. The mistakes we made and the two goals we conceded are things that can be corrected by positioning the players or positioning them better on the pitch. Our physical and mental condition has spoken for itself, we had many chances, unfortunately we didn’t take them because we weren’t brilliant at finishing (…) We made two teams for the two games. In the game against Reșița the first half played 60 minutes, today it was the turn of the others. Unfortunately not everyone is up to the level we require and that’s not good, but we hope to fix things… Mistakes can be corrected. With more discipline and attitude we can grow more”, said Dorin Toma, head coach of Politehnica.

Goalkeeper Robert Popet was absent for medical reasons. The other trial players, Alexandru Trancă and Bogdan Cuibari, who were present at the game against Reșița, are no longer training with our team.

The next friendly match of Politehnica will be on Wednesday, July 21, at the “Dan Păltinișanu” stadium, against CAO (League 3).