Meshkov Brest have once again in less than 10 days managed to take points home from an encounter in Skopje. This time they were in a narrow match better than Metalurg with 25:24. After this result we can say that this is so far the worst start of the League for Metalurg with three defeats in a row and Meshkov on the other side remain among the best teams with 7 points and an important draw against Vardar in Skopje.

Home team was given a chance to score and reach a surprising draw with a bit less than a minute left on the clock for their final attack. Coach Cervar has even decided to call a time-out, prepare the play but Milos Dragas’ shot was in the end blocked by Kristopans bringing Meshkov important three points.

Meshkov did arrive to Skopje as a big favorite but it was not visible with young and inexperienced team of Metalurg giving them lots of headache. Hosts were able to keep the gap narrow throughout the whole match and make the match even more interesting in final 10 minutes. Goalkeepers were on both sides in good mood in final minutes with both Pesic and Arsic saving some important shots. However, coach Bebeshko decided to give Tioumentsev a chance in final minutes which has proved to be a great move with Tioumentsev deciding the match with a few brilliant attacking solutions in a row. In the end Stojkovic scored from the 7-meter line to put Meshkov up and Metalurg did not manage to catch them.

Lino Cervar, Metalurg’s coach:
We’ve known even before the match that this will be a tough one. Meshkov is a great team which they are proving in last two years and now they’ve even managed to book a spot in one of CL’s strongest groups. In last three matches we’ve faced Veszprem, Vardar and Meshkov - teams which are all F4 contenders and among the best in this League. We’ve played well against them and that might have surprised someone. Fair to say, we’ve had some ups and downs, technical mistakes but we’ve also had some really nice plays. What makes me happy is that my players showed fighting spirit which is necessary for good result. We must be wise, look to correct some mistakes in the future and I strongly believe that in case we manage to fight like this in upcoming matches results will come along.

Nikola Kosteski, Metalurg`s player:
It was a very tough match. In some moments they were able to enlarge the gap to 2 or 3 but we were able to motivate ourselves in those moments and keep close. Unfortunate loss in the end but I hope we’ll improve and correct our mistakes.

Sergei Bebeshko, Meshkov`s coach:
Tough match, quick tempo. Metalurg was able to keep the tempo up and we’re happy because of the victory. It is not easy to play here in Skopje and I believe it is good that Metalurg are back in this League because they are a far better team than Strumica.

Pavel Atman, Meshkov`s player:
Tough match is behind us. We were aware of what is waiting for us here. I used to play in Metalurg and I knew it won’t be easy. Too bad that there were not more fans in the hall but in the end we can’t be anything but satisfied with final outcome.