Belasica Strumica Cruise Past Prespa with 3-1 Win in North Macedonia Second Football League

Prespa 1 – 3 Belasica Strumica
Date: 23 May 2026 | Competition: North Macedonia Second Football League

Belasica Strumica continued their strong push for promotion with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Prespa at the Stadion Prespa on Saturday night. The visitors controlled the game from the outset, overcoming an early scare to secure three crucial points in the North Macedonia Second Football League.

Match Overview

Prespa started promisingly and scored first, but Belasica Strumica’s superior quality soon told. Two goals before half-time put the visitors in charge, and a third after the interval sealed the result. The win keeps Belasica firmly in the promotion race, while Prespa’s survival hopes take another blow.

Key Moments

• 14th minute: Prespa took a shock lead: a deflected cross fell to their striker, who volleyed home from close range.
• 27th minute: Belasica equalised through a powerful header from a corner kick.
• 41st minute: The visitors turned the game around with a clinical breakaway goal, finished calmly past the Prespa goalkeeper.
• 66th minute: A beautifully struck free-kick from 25 yards sealed the victory for Belasica Strumica.

Prespa had a golden chance to pull one back in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the spot-kick was saved by the Belasica goalkeeper.

Tactical Story

Belasica Strumica lined up in a 4-2-3-1, focusing on quick transitions and set-piece opportunities. Prespa’s 4-4-2 was overwhelmed in midfield after their early goal, as Belasica’s central duo dominated possession. The visitors’ width stretched Prespa’s defense, creating space for the attacking midfielders.

Standout Players

Belasica’s No. 8 controlled midfield, scoring one and providing the assist for another. The goalkeeper was instrumental, making a crucial penalty save that could have swung momentum. For Prespa, the right winger was lively but lacked support in the final third.

Season Impact

Belasica Strumica’s win moves them up into second place in the North Macedonia Second Football League, strengthening their promotion credentials. Prespa remains in the relegation zone, now four points from safety with only a handful of fixtures remaining. The result underscores the gap in quality between the two sides at this stage of the season.