United 2 - 1 Xaverov (381371357)

Weather conditions were fairly good for football, and New Trafford saw a crowd turnout of 56274. Vytautas Kristanas was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Rafael Rodríguez and Paul Besson. United started off with a 3-5-2 lineup. The following players took the field: Zachar - Silvis, Grunt, Fudalewski - Ledermüller, Szőke, Buček, Josefík, Hrušecký - Hykš, Lepič.

Xaverov had chosen a strategic 4-4-2 formation. Starters: Tatara - Olening, Gonser, Abramczuk, Venakis - Alderman, Whitaker, Bodola, Damon - Billman, Husák.

Using their counter-attacking abilities was the strategy of choice for Xaverov. They were singing the praises of V. Szőke 4 minutes into the match after his speculative chip from the middle of the penalty box found its way over the visitors' keeper to make the score 1 - 0 to United. The goal to make it 1 - 1 was scored by H. Billman after 14 minutes, following an opportunistic counterattack down the middle by Xaverov. United had a chance to take the lead after V. Szőke's dazzling drive up the left, but the opportunity fizzled out as his shot went just over the bar after 21 minutes. With the clock showing 22 minutes played, a great pass from the defensive line of Xaverov resulted in a counterattack that was smoothly brought under control by Z. Husák in the centre of the opposition's penalty area, but his finish went high. Many thought L. Lepič ought to have been awarded a penalty 30 minutes into the game, as he went down trying to dribble around T. Tatara after a determined run through the middle. After a fine move down the middle L. Lepič nearly gave the home side a goal after 37 minutes. However the finishing shot went just wide. United had to make a substitution after 41 minutes. J. Hrušecký limped off the field and was replaced by J. Nohel. Down the middle came Z. Husák, making a fantastic play that nearly had Xaverov take the lead after 43 minutes, but O. Zachar preserved the tie. Halftime score was 1 - 1. United enjoyed most of the ball, as they maintained 66 percent of possession.

After 73 minutes, the Xaverov coach wanted to see a new face on the pitch, waving V. Bodola off the field. I. Antony took his place. T. Tatara was handed the Xaverov captain's armband. Good work by the Xaverov defensive line after 75 minutes produced a good counterattack chance, which cut elegantly down the middle of the pitch and found B. Damon alone in front of the goal, but his shot whistled just wide. Making his way up the middle 76 minutes into the match, L. Lepič almost managed to squeeze a goal past the visitors' keeper, but the alert T. Tatara blocked it to keep the score level. United took the lead 83 minutes into the game by 2 - 1, as J. Nohel elegantly received a long range pass through the middle, finishing off with a half-volley shot just below the bar. D. Ledermüller left the field with a smile on his face as he was substituted 87 minutes into the game, as his team was in the lead. J. Záborský was the replacement. The coach of United was happy with the game so far, but still wanted to change the line up. After 88 minutes, M. Bek came on for T. Grunt. United had most of the ball, with 67 percent of possession.

United's top performer was clearly V. Buček. J. Záborský was a disappointment, however. H. Billman performed admirably for Xaverov. On the other hand, M. Olening's play was disheartening. The match ends 2 - 1.