Jihlava hold firm to deny Mešanovič a happy return

Muris Mešanovič’s return to Jihlava after his winter transfer to Slavia ended in stalemate as the sewn-ones played 0-0 in the opening game of 18th round of SYNOT liga. Slavia began well, forced Vysočina back in the first half and enjoyed the better opportunities. Just 11 minutes into the game Slavia’s best striker Milan Škoda, who returned after an injury, could benefit from Zmrhal’s pass but fired his shot above the crossbar.

The biggest chance for Vysočina came after 16 minutes of the game. Hronek found Voltr in front of Berkovec’s net, but home striker’s effort was blocked by Bílek and Jablonský. Twelve minutes later Jaromír Zmrhal playing his 100th league game fired from narrow angle missing the left post.

In 31th minute Mešanovič came within centimetres of the breakthrough left alone in front of Rakovan, before Vukadinovič directed his shot past the post following a dangerous counter-attack.

Mešanovič saved his best opportunity for 47th minute but his long-range effort only hit woodwork behind former Slavia goalie Matej Rakovan.

Having weathered the first half’s storm, Vysočina balanced the game in the second part yet struggled in front of goal. Efforts from Vaculík and Šulek both failing to find their way through.

One point from relegation-threatened Jihlava is definitely a disappointment for Dušan Uhrin’s side. They will have a chance to put their reputation right on 28th February playing home against Baník Ostrava.