Metta closes in on top flight as Leevon PPK, with Baumanis hat-trick, catch Valmiera

In round 22 of the Latvian First League, the second tier of football in the country below the Virslīga, table leaders Metta beat Riga Mariners 4:0 and moved closer to a return to the top flight. Second-placed Valmiera dropped points at home, drawing 1:1 with Super Nova-2, so Metta's lead over Valmiera grew to five points, 57 to 52.

Metta win the direct duel

Gambian Sellu Jallow scored twice for Metta, in the 23rd and 46th minutes. Ghana's Prince Amoah scored in the 43rd minute, and Rūdolfs Kļavinskis added a goal in the 28th minute. Amoah also provided an assist in the match.

Valmiera lose points

In Valmiera, the visitors from Super Nova-2 went ahead in the 8th minute, when Iļja Streļcovs finished a counterattack. It was his 10th goal of the season. Tunisia's Fraj Kermani levelled in the 79th minute from the penalty spot, after Mali striker Mamadou Dembele won the spot kick.

Leevon PPK take advantage

Leevon PPK profited, winning 4:0 in Ventspils. Renē Baumanis, who has played in the Virslīga this season, scored a first-half hat-trick in the 12th, 38th and 42nd minutes, and Aršauskis added a fourth in the 84th. Both clubs are now on 52 points. The fight for the promotion play-offs has intensified, and in the penultimate round Valmiera will host Leevon PPK. Valmiera still hold advantages: they won the first meeting 4:1, and three of their four remaining matches are at home. Leevon PPK still have to face all the other contenders for the top four.

At the bottom of the table

Ventspils have 15 points, the same as RFS-2. The RFS reserve side, which had led by two goals, lost 3:2 at home to Mārupe.