Just a week after beginning his career with FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk with a win in the FA Cup, Christopher Jackson has suffered his first setback in Belarus after seeing his side crashed out of the 2018 Belarusian FA Cup.
FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk ended their journey in the 2018 Belarusian FA Cup after bowing out just after the quarterfinals to FC Dnepr Mogilev. Shakhtyor lost after a second leg defeat away from home. They won 3-1 at home before losing 2-0.
Goals from Maksim Bordachev, Pyry Soiri, and Yuri Kovalev helped Shakhtyor pick up all three points at home over Dnepr, who got their lone goal through Yevgeni Barsukov. Jackson played the last 13 minutes of the match after being introduced by Coach Zub. The former LISCR FC striker replaced Belarusian striker Denis Laptev in the 77th minute to make his competitive debut. Jackson got off to a winning start with Shakhtyor that went into the return leg with the lead.
With the 3-1 win in the first leg, they needed at least a win to move to the semifinals. However, they failed to defend their lead as they bowed to a 2-0 defeat away from home in the return leg. They failed to score away from home as they conceded two goals through Vladislav Fedosov.
Again, Jackson was introduced during the second period of the match, replacing Denis Laptev. He was unable to register a goal as his side went down 2-0 at the end of the match. Â It finished 3-3 on aggregate but Shakhtyor bowed out on the away goal rules.
Despite not having more playing time in the two games, Shakhtyor’s exit from the Belarusian Cup left Jackson frustrated. Speaking to The Bush Chicken after his side’s shocking exit, Jackson said it was an unfortunate situation for the entire team.
“I’m disappointed that we went out of the tournament at this stage. It is an unfortunate situation for the entire team,†Jackson told The Bush Chicken. “We were hoping to reach the semifinals especially after winning the first leg. However, it’s all football. Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win. We will learn from our mistakes and improve in our next match.â€
FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk will be hoping to return to winning ways when they begin the 2018 Belarusian Premier League against Dinamo Brest on Saturday, March 31.
Featured photo courtesy of FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk
