Ventspils celebrate cup treble

FK Ventspils scored twice in extra time to take the Latvian Cup for the third season in succession with a 2-1 win against FHK Liepajas Metalurgs on Sunday.

Metalurgs ahead
With both sides goalless after 90 minutes at the Skonto stadium, the game went into extra time. Four minutes into the first period, Metalurgs took the lead as Lithuanian midfield player Darius Miceika headed a curling cross from captain Viktors Dobrecovs into the Ventspils net.

Ventspils equalise
However, Ventspils were back on level terms five minutes later after great work from Latvian international Vits Rimkus, who found the target with a brilliant drive across the face of goal from 20 metres which rattled into the top corner of the Metalurgs net.

Spole calamity
Having played in four Latvian Cup finals without success, it seemed Metalurgs would take Ventspils into a penalty shoot out, until disaster struck. Striker Igors Slesarcuks's shot for Ventspils looked to be harmless, but Metalurgs goalkeeper Viktors Spole somehow conspired to let it in.