Pre-season friendly: Partizan 1-0 Rostov

Partizan played final friendly of Slovenia pre-season preps and won Russian top-tier outfit Rostov 1-0, youngster Milovanovic scoring the only goal of the game.

Our team threatened in the opening 10 minutes via Jojic, whose low edge of the box shot was comfortably saved by Rostov keeper, and Urosevic, whose two angled attempts finished wide of the far post.

Rostov replied on 19 when unmarked Hashimoto hit the post with his close range strike.

Before half an hour mark, Ricardo had several “one-on-ones” with Rostov keeper but missed the target on one occasion and saw his shots saved by the Rostov goalie twice.

After a poor Partizan midfield pass on 35, Rostov was on a promising counter-attack but Zdjelar made a last gasp sliding tackle just outside the box to prevent Russians from making the most of this break.

Ricardo had only keeper to beat once again but failed to do so, while Markovic hit the outside netting minute later, both opportunities were the result of pinpoint passes from Pantic and Natcho respectively.

Boss Stanojevic made three changes at half-time – Popovic for Stojkovic, Scekic for Jojic and Pavlovic for Natcho.

Markovic sent a dangerous shot over the bar on 48 and got subbed by Lutovac 10 mins later along with Ricardo who was replaced by youngster Milovanovic.

It was 17-year-old forward Milovanovic who scored the only goal of the game. After brilliant long ball from Sanicanin, nice chest interception and pass from Lutovac, MIlovanovic sent the ball into the bottom far corner of the net.

Bazdar came in for Pantic on 69 and Zivkovic replaced Miljkovic on the right flank on 77.

Second half was less entertaining encounter and Partizan finished third friendly in a row without conceding a goal.

Partizan boss Aleksandar Stanojevic after the game:

“There`s always something you can work more on. It was so hot today and we lacked more aggression in the first line of defence allowing Rostov to enter our defensive space with ease, but they didn`t threat us much, in general. We were the once creating and we had quite a few good opportunities for this kind of friendly. I`m truly pleased and glad everyone is fit and healthy after this friendly, which is always important”.

“Milovanovic keeps scoring. He did the same during Turkey winter pre-season and I`m really happy for him. Ricardo joined us a bit late but I`m thrilled with him as he had 3 or 4 clear-cut opportunities. You need to win these chances and he was dangerous for Rostov, that`s what really matters to us at this moment Pantic showed some good stuff as well, he keeps assisting and threatening opponents”.

“We are still waiting for Holender and Soumah to re-join us and Obradovic and Jovic to nurse their respective injuries”.