Latvia round-up: Metalurgs close the gap

Second-placed FHK Liepajas Metalurgs closed the gap on leaders Skonto FC to just one point after two victories in a week.

Dobrecovs double
Metalurgs, who still have a game in hand, made the most of their rearranged fixture against RKB-Arma Riga, closing the gap at the summit with a convincing 6-0 victory thanks to double strikes from Viktors Dobrecovs, Aleksandrs Katasonovs and Girts Karlsons.

Bichka opener
Metalurgs had to work much harder for the points in their next league game against last season's runners-up FK Ventspils. Ventspils' captain Igors Troickijs was sent off for a professional foul after three minutes but his team managed to take a 1-0 half-time lead thanks to a superb long-range effort from midfield player Dejmantas Bichka.

Karlsons the hero
Metalurgs only managed an Aleksandrs Katasonovs shot that hit the crossbar during the remainder of the half but the home side became more aggressive in the second period and clinched a 2-1 victory thanks to two goals from Girts Karlsons on 57 and 59 minutes.

First win
Arma then recorded their first win of the season as they secured a memorable 6-1 win against FK Auda Riga, another side struggling towards the foot of the table. Igors Kapustins was the hero for his side, scoring a hat-trick in a simple victory.