The start of September brought a successful Back to School match at the Stadium under the Dubeň hill. After surviving a strong opening spell from Podbrezová thanks to several important saves by Dávid Šípoš, the Šošoni struck twice before the half-time through Michal Faško and Patrik Iľko.

The visitors pulled one back after half-time, but Fero Kóša sealed a 3:1 victory from the penalty spot in extra time. It was the Šošoni’s fifth win of the season, maintaining Vladimír Veselý’s perfect record and moving Žilina to the top of the table.

Next up is a Slovnaft Cup trip to Vavrečka on Wednesday, followed by a Sunday's league clash away to Slovan Bratislava.

Head coach Vladimír Veselý made just one enforced change to his winning lineup, with the recovered Ján Minárik replacing Tobiáš Pališčák in defence.

Podbrezová started brightly and could have taken the lead, but Dávid Šípoš kept the Šošoni level with two excellent saves in the opening minutes. Žilina gradually grew into the game and found the breakthrough in the 38th minute. After winning a free kick himself, Michal Faško delivered a dangerous ball into the box that found its way into the net for 1:0. The hosts finished the first half strongly and doubled their advantage just before the break. Patrik Iľko met Timotej Hranica’s lay-off with a stunning strike into the top corner to make it 2:0.

Podbrezová reduced the deficit after the restart through Chren's header, but the Šošoni managed the game well and limited the visitors' chances. The victory was sealed late on when Fero Kóša converted from the penalty spot to make it 3:1. It was another important three points for Žilina, maintaining Vladimír Veselý’s perfect record and keeping the Šošoni at the top of the Niké Liga table.

Next up is a Slovnaft Cup trip to Vavrečka, followed by next Sunday’s league showdown away to Slovan Bratislava.

Post-match reactions