Újpest 3-1 DVSC
Referee: Erdős József - red shirt
YC:5; YYR:0; RC:1; Pen:1
Entertaining game with 2 sides who like to play pretty football but are not so good at finding the back of the net! Normally! Beridze put Lilák ahead after 20 mins. Just 4 mins later up popped VAR & a lengthy review followed for a possible handball by Csongvai, referee Erdős József carried out an OFR and the penalty was awarded. Csongvai had his hand up in the air, arm extended straight – it was a handball within the LOTG and he can have no complaints. Dzsudzsák Balázs equalising for Loki. Loki had barely finished celebrating and Nikolic decided for some unknown reason to just push a Lilák player over, no attempt to play the ball. No reason for it, it was stupid and unnecessary and off he went for an early bath. A drama packed 14 min spell with 2 goals, a penalty and a red card – we can’t complain about a lack of entertainment. 1-1 at half time.
Second half started out the same but Kone scoring on 57 took the wind out of Loki’s sails. The pretty stuff continued until with 3 mins left on the clock there was a scrappy goal for Lilák. Initially credited to Diaby but then credited as a Deslandes own goal. Final score 3-1 to Lilák and a much needed 3 points. Still bottom but now just 2 points between Lilák & the safety zone.
As to team ref - lovely to see Erdős József out there on the pitch. Only his 2nd game of the season, he's done 15 games as VAR. Not sure if he may be carrying an injury but he's looking trimmer and more confident than I have ever seen him. 5 years ago he was a disaster zone, he was over weight, always out of position and his decision making was so random it was embarrassing! He has worked really hard to lose weight, get fitter and his refereeing has benefited from it. The last 2/3 seasons he has become a very steady safe pair of hands. Loved seeing it. I felt in one way the red was a bit harsh but Nikolic just ran over & shoved whoever it was over, there had been no incident previously, there was no attempt to play the ball and it was simply player stupidity at it's finest! It was correct and deserved. József was looking happy, relaxed and full of confidence out there. The players responded well to him, lots of little chats and laughs. Hope we get to see him a bit more often.
PS My team did one of those win thingys!