Gintra returned to Šiauliai Central Stadium after a long absence on Sunday, hosting visitors from Kaunas District in round eight of the Topo centras Euronics A League.
The Lithuanian champions proved superior, defeating Hegelmann 1:0 (1–0 at half-time) to secure three more much-needed points.
Striker Meida Proscevičiūtė, Urtė Bujokaitė and Argentine defender Valentina Mana, ruled out for the season, were unavailable through injury. Brazilian Sabrina Amorim returned after a long absence.
Starting lineup: A. Klevečkaitė, T. Romanovskaja, A. Mikutaitė, L. Peabody, L. Kubiliūtė, S. Amorim, M. Galkina, E. Šupelytė, T. Shamase, S. Shamase, A. Kazarina (72' min. K. Hawkinson).
Goals:
„Gintra“: S. Shamase (8') – 1.
The hosts began confidently. In the eighth minute, Sphumelele Shamase beautifully finished Laney Peabody's excellent pass into the area to put Gintra 1–0 ahead.
The fierce contest continued, frequently interrupted by the referee's whistle. Both sides committed fouls, but Gintra created the dangerous chances. Erika Šupelytė threatened from distance after a Tereza Romanovskaja cross. Moments later, Marija Galkina had a good shooting opportunity against Greta Lukjančukė, but defenders blocked it.
Shamase had another chance in the 39th minute but shot over. No further goals arrived before the break.
Gintra controlled the second half but struggled to turn superiority into goals. Šupelytė had a great chance to double the lead but shot over. Further late opportunities also lacked accuracy. In the final moments, the visitors almost equalised, but Aušra Klevečkaitė saved Simona Petravičienė's shot to preserve Gintra's 1–0 victory.
Next Sunday, the yellow-and-blacks host Liepaja in the Baltic League at the central stadium. Kick-off is at 18:00.
Match highlights: