Emotions, a sending-off and a first defeat: Viagem lost 1–2 at home to Jihlava

Although the roughly one thousand spectators didn’t see their team pick up any points this time, they certainly weren’t bored. The match was full of excitement, and the first half was clearly dominated by Jihlava. As early as the 3rd minute, the visitors hit the crossbar, and moments later Moudrý put them ahead.

Although the home side equalised out of the blue after half an hour with a superb strike into the corner by Patrik Goj, a controversial penalty appeal in the home side’s favour followed shortly afterwards, but the referee allowed play to continue. Ústí’s goalkeeping coach, Denis Luksík, was shown a yellow card, and when Sambou restored Jihlava’s lead a minute later, Oulehla’s assistant coach, Dominic Rajna, became so agitated that he was shown a straight red card.

“Jihlava started better; they were more determined, hit the crossbar and scored. Then we managed to equalise, but unfortunately there was a penalty situation – a clear one in my view, but sadly not awarded – and that’s where it all turned,” said David Oulehla, shrugging his shoulders.

However, he did not wish to comment further on the referees. “We’re not allowed to do so after the match, so I won’t comment any further – please don’t take it the wrong way,” he added curtly. Nevertheless, he did not defend the behaviour of his coaching staff. “Of course it needs to be different; I don’t want my colleagues to be booked – that’s not how we want to present ourselves.”

He saw the main problem, however, in further individual blunders and lapses in concentration, which his players once again displayed. “It gives us food for thought; there are periods when we completely switch off. We’d equalised, and then we’d make a blunder and concede the decisive goal,” he said, shaking his head in bewilderment.

“In the second half, it was a one-goal game; we were getting closer to our best form, but we couldn’t manage to equalise. My thoughts now turn to why it is that we switch off like this in some matches,” he reiterated, highlighting the crux of the matter. “It’s a disappointment for us. We started the season well, but we’ve only picked up one point from our last two home matches.”

Viagem had to do without Franck Idumba, who was replaced by Patrik Goj whilst recovering from a viral infection. And he did more than just hold his own; in the 30th minute, he scored the North Bohemians’ only goal. “I’m glad I scored, but I’d swap it for three points, because that would have put us top of the table. It’s a bit of a bittersweet feeling,” he said bitterly.

Viagem therefore failed to capitalise on Karviná’s slip-up – they lost in Třinec – and, due to Dukla Prague’s victory, dropped one place to third. “Jihlava were more competitive; they were first to the loose balls, which meant we didn’t get into the game at the start. We didn’t want to give up in the second half, but unfortunately we couldn’t manage to equalise,” lamented the young midfielder, whose performance was also praised by Oulehla. “Praise from the manager is nice, but it’s still a team sport and, unfortunately, we didn’t succeed as a team today,” concluded Goj, disappointed.

Jihlava thus became the first team this season to beat Viagem, much to the delight of their manager Marek Nikl. “It’s a nice feeling. I think the win was deserved. Our first-half performance was probably the best since I’ve been with the team,” he said, unable to hide his enthusiasm. “After the break, Ústí put us under pressure with their experience and quality, but we coped quite well and we’re leaving satisfied.”

FK VIAGEM Ústí nad Labem – FC VYSOČINA JIHLAVA 1:2 (1:2)

• Goals: 30’ Goj – 13’ Moudrý, 43’ Ousmane
• Bookings: 51’ Březina, 52’ Moulis, 79’ Kott – 68’ Jambor, 90’ Mokrovics
• Referee: Panský – Beneš, Hurych
• Attendance: 1,085
• FK VIAGEM Ústí nad Labem: Holý – Březina, Richter (71’ Osaghae), Peterka, do, Černý (56’ Kodad), Yameogo, Moulis (80’ Bzura), Ullman (56. Fantiš), Goj (71. Diarra), Kott. Manager: Oulehla.
• FC VYSOČINA JIHLAVA: Slavata – Štětka, Jambor, Omotoye (89. Haala), Moudrý (77’ Křivánek), Labaran (72’ Mokrovics), Štrakl, Lacko, Matoušek, Čermák, Ousmane (89’ Šelicha). Manager: Nikl.