Borac Banja Luka achieved their objectives at the start of the BiH Premier League season, claiming their first three points with a 3-1 victory over Velez Mostar while coach Vinko Marinovic rested several key players ahead of the Conference League return leg against ML Vitebsk.
Borac fielded a rotated lineup against the Mostar side, but it had little impact on their performance as the hosts were the more dangerous and effective team.
After two promising attempts, Borac took the lead in the 12th minute. Amar Hiros delivered the ball into the box, where Deni Romera reacted well to score his first goal for the Banja Luka club.
The Spaniard combined effectively with Ante Roguljic, while Sandi Ogrinec also threatened with several efforts, forcing goalkeeper Velic into two good saves.
During first-half stoppage time, Romera again escaped his markers and fired a powerful effort that Velic managed to save. However, the move continued and Hiros found the net to give Borac a 2-0 advantage before the break.
Velez failed to register a shot on target during the opening half.
Borac maintained their intensity after the break, but the match was interrupted in the 62nd minute following chants by home supporters in support of General Ratko Mladic.
After a stoppage of approximately half an hour and the clearing of the north stand, the match resumed.
Velez became more dangerous following the restart, but Borac goalkeeper Damjan Siskovski produced two important saves.
Borac then removed any remaining doubt about the winner.
Last season’s top scorer Luka Juricic came off the bench and immediately continued his goalscoring form. He produced an excellent header from near the edge of the penalty area to make it 3-0.
The visitors managed to reduce the deficit late in the match, with Ajdin Nukic scoring in the 88th minute to set the final score at 3-1.
The victory gave Borac a successful start to their domestic campaign while also allowing Marinovic to manage his squad ahead of the club’s European commitments.
Source: Glas Srpske / glassrpske.com
Source: Glas Srpske
