Orebić secured a 1–0 away victory against neighboring Žrnovo across the Pelješac Channel, while heavy rain forced the postponement of BŠK Zmaj’s fixture in Metković during the third round of the First Županijska Nogometna Liga (1. ŽNL) in Croatia.
Pelješac Channel Derby Settled by Late Penalty
The local derby on the Rusković pitch delivered a tight contest between two clubs separated by the Pelješac Channel. The visiting side broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Ivan Kordić found the back of the net. Trainer Hrvoje Kapitelij watched his squad maintain their defensive shape until the 80th minute, when Nikola Čepo converted from the penalty spot to seal the 1–0 result. The outcome marks the second victory of the campaign for Orebić, commonly referred to by locals as the ‘kapetani’, while handing Žrnovo—known as the ‘kuneji’—their first defeat of the season.
Weather Waterlogs Metković Pitch as Zmaj Match Postponed
Unfavorable weather conditions and a waterlogged pitch forced officials to call off the fixture between ONK Metković and BŠK Zmaj. The league match in Metković will be rescheduled for a later date once pitch conditions improve. The postponement leaves BŠK Zmaj with only one played match on their early-season ledger, keeping them on three points alongside several mid-table rivals.
Goalless Stalemate on Moćni Laz in Vela Luka
Hajduk 1932 hosted Maestral at the Moćni Laz ground in Vela Luka, where the match ended in a 0–0 draw. Despite holding the territorial initiative and creating several scoring chances, the home side failed to convert their opportunities. The result gives the Vela Luka squad their second draw and their second point of the 1. ŽNL season after two appearances.
High-Scoring Wins and Round Results Across the County
Elsewhere in the third round, Sokol delivered a resounding 5–0 victory over Župa Dubrovačka in Dubravka, while Slaven earned a 2–1 home win against Croatia on the Grudi pitch. Gusar sat out the weekend as the team with a bye.
1. ŽNL DNŽ Round 3 Results:
- ONK Metković – BŠK Zmaj (postponed)
- Slaven – Croatia 2–1
- Sokol – Župa Dubrovačka 5–0
- Žrnovo – Orebić 0–1
- Hajduk 1932 – Maestral 0–0
- Free: Gusar
Standings and Fourth Round Schedule
Following the third round of fixtures, ONK Metković and Slaven share the upper tier of the table with six points each, though Metković has played one match fewer. Orebić joins them on six points from three games. Maestral follows closely with five points, while Sokol, BŠK Zmaj, Župa Dubrovačka, Croatia, and Žrnovo each sit on three points. Hajduk 1932 holds two points, and Gusar remains at the bottom without a point from two matches.
The 1. ŽNL competition resumes on October 18 with the fourth round. The upcoming schedule features Orebić hosting Hajduk 1932, Župa Dubrovačka welcoming Žrnovo, Croatia playing Sokol at home, BŠK Zmaj facing Slaven, and Gusar traveling to face Metković.
