After defeat in Širvintos last round, Gintra bounced back to winning ways in the Lithuanian Women's A League.
Playing at home with a depleted squad in round four, Gintra 1:0 (1–0 at half-time) overcame Hegelmann of Kaunas District.
Starting lineup: A. Ulliac, R. Beal, I. Kuku, A. Mikutaitė (40' min. G. Dagytė, 56' min. U. Bujokaitė), S. Amorim, E. Partikaitė, T. Romanovskaja, L. Kubiliūtė, E. Šupelytė, C. Caliz, J. Blaževičiūtė (89' min. D. Misiūnaitė).
Goals:
Gintra: L. Kubiliūtė (37' min.) - 1.
The Lithuanian champions approached the match short of players. Striker Meida Proscevičiūtė remained injured, while fellow forward Kiyani Johnson had been ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury sustained last round. Victoria Igbonoba, Bunmi David and Laura Spenazzatto also missed this match through injury.
To make matters worse, captain Algimantė Mikutaitė was injured near the end of the first half in a clash of heads with opposing goalkeeper Greta Lukjančukė.
The hosts had the better of the play from the start, but clear chances only began arriving after the opening quarter-hour. Justina Blaževičiūtė had one of the best, striking the crossbar.
Sabrina Amorim rose highest at a set piece and headed dangerously, but Lukjančukė saved. Another corner followed moments later and proved decisive. Laura Kubiliūtė reacted first to the loose ball and found the net to put Gintra 1–0 ahead.
The tempo slowed in the second half, with fewer chances for either side. The Lithuanian champions prevented their opponents from taking control, although a lack of accuracy and energy limited their own threat. The final whistle confirmed a deserved 1–0 Gintra victory.
Next week the yellow-and-blacks travel to Gargždai. Steve Beeks' team conclude the first round of fixtures against Banga on Sunday.
Match highlights:
Coach's comments: