Serbian champions Vojvodina Novi Sad were able to beat Macedonian runners-up Maks 30:25 (14:14) in SEHA Gazprom League’ clash in ‘Slana bara’ hall. The best Serbian team had successful comeback on regional stage after ending EHF Champions League’s campaign last week, by reaching second win a row, third this season. This win brings Nikola Marković’ guys to a position to fight NEXE for League’s sixth position. 

As it was promised, visitors from Strumica came to Novi Sad with ‘all or nothing’ tactics on their minds. Experienced Čanturija led his team to 7:4 after 13 minute which was a clear sign for hosts to start playing better, mainly in defense which was not working well in the beginning. Strahinja Stanković was leading his team in that period in which they have managed to catch guests and finish the half with 14:14. He finished the match with 9 goals.

Vojvodina started the second half much better. Strong defense was additionally supported by Bojan Perović’ saves allowing Vojvodina to break rival’s resistance and catch +4 with 20 minutes left on the clock. Biggest difference in the match was +6.

Milosavljević and Dimitrijevski have finished the match with 7 goals each for Macedonians.

Dragan Kukić, Vojvodina’ assistant coach:
We were kind of sleeping in the first half with long journies having serious influence on our player. However in the second half we were playing better which was a match deciding factor today. This is an important match for our self-confidence.

Marjan Andonov, Maks Strumica’ coach:
My players were gladiators today. You all know that we have serious roster problems and we were left with five players to play today. I really admire them.

Miloš Orbović, Vojvodina’s player:
We’ve opened the match badly. Our ball was really slow until 5 minutes before the end of first 30. Since then, we’ve started playing better, faster in transition deciding everything today. Well deserved win.

Igor Milosavljević, Maks Strumica’ player:
Very tough match for us. We’ve played without lot of players. We gave our best, fought as hard as we could in this moment.