Jadran Luka Ploče defeated Dinamo’s second team 1-0 in Zaprešić in a match of the 12th round of the Prva NL. The game was played on Friday, with the winning goal scored by Nikola Marić in the seventh minute from a penalty kick.
With that victory, Jadran Luka Ploče reached 20 points and once again took the lead in the league standings. Mladost Ždralovi have the same number of points but have played one fewer match and have a slightly inferior goal difference.
Ploče are competing in the Prva NL for the first time in their history this season, and they were also top of the table after the seventh round, when they beat Kustošija 1-0 at home. They were followed by three draws and one defeat, so the win in Zaprešić broke that run. The team’s manager is Mišo Krstičević.
After the match, a photo from the dressing room was posted on social media. In it, the players hold three large signs reading: 'Peasants from Dalmatia', 'They have no idea about modern football' and 'They wandered into this league'. The club accompanied the photo with the message: 'Some will recognise themselves... Let it hurt whoever it bothers.'
Club official Petrit Dulaj stated: 'A very important win for us. We knew that Dinamo were weakened by the departure of the manager and the absence of two or three players. We analysed them well and clearly did that part a little better than they did. But above all, I would congratulate our players, who played this match like lions.'
Dulaj added: 'Dinamo had slightly more of the game, but in terms of chances, the victory should have been more convincing in our favour. Once again, I congratulate the whole squad, led by manager Mišo Krstičević. Now we will rest for a few days and begin preparations for the final part of the half-season, so that we can meet it in the best possible position.'
Dinamo II were without manager Jerko Leko for the match. Leko had temporarily taken over Dinamo’s first team following the departure of Mario Kovačević, led the Blues to a 2-0 victory against Sunderland on Thursday, and is expected to face Varaždin away in the league on Sunday.
