Modrica achieve their aim
Thursday, 15 July 2004
By Lucy Turner at the Estadi Comunal
[1] Bosnia-Herzegovnian cup holders FK Modrica left Andorra with a precious lead after the first leg of their UEFA Cup first qualifying round tie with FC Santa Coloma.
Early caution
[2] Andorran champions, and the reigning domestic cup and Super Cup holders, Santa Coloma began in cautious fashion despite their usual attacking reputation. Modrica had few chances in the first half but in the last ten minutes before the break gave Santa Coloma goalkeeper Ricardo Fernández a few tests.
Railic goes close
[3] Aleksandar Railic tried an opportunist shot from near the centre circle on 42 minutes to to the delight of the small band of travelling supporters but the ball went just over. Zoran Novakovic then forced Fernández to save as the period ended.
Vasic goal
[4] Buoyed by this late surge, Modrica came out for the second half full of confidence. Gvozden Zelincevic headed on to the bar from a corner and Dario Puric shot over as the pressure increased and, on 55 minutes, Dorde Savic's cross deflected into the path of Sreten Vasic, who made no mistake.
Late chance
[5] With a goal in the bag for the return in Bosnia-Herzegovina on 29 July, Modrica were happy to defend their lead. In the final minutes Santa Coloma had a chance to level when Antonio Sivera sent a free-kick on to the crossbar, but the Andorran champions will have to pull back the deficit in a fortnight's time.