Opatia players recorded their second win of the season, the first after a series of three defeats, by defeating Vukovar 1991. The match was led from the bench by the coaching staff as head coach Zoran Boglin served his second suspension as a spectator, leaving the team to be managed by assistants Denis Ljubović and Adam Orman.
The decision was made in the final moments. Borne Bilbork entered the game in the 84th minute, and just three minutes later directed a sharp pass from Matej Mršić into the opposing net. It was Bilbork's first league goal after scoring for Orient last November.
Bilbork is a 25-year-old returnee to the Opatia ranks after four years and several seasons spent at Orient, Jarun, and lower-division clubs in neighbouring Italy. His goal secured a victory for Opatia, keeping their clean sheet — both victories this season have been achieved after the team kept a clean sheet.
On the other hand, Vukovar did not fire enough shots at the goalkeeper, which confirms the solidity of the Opatia defence in this match. After this triumph, Bilbork faces Kustoš in two weeks' time.
The Opatia players will temporarily return to their town on Friday and test the new stadium's artificial surface. The guest is Rijeka, and the match will officially open the new stadium, starting at 19:00. In addition, the HNS licensing commission could have a lot of work when it arrives for inspection.
