Puszcza Niepolomice 3–0 Star Starachowice
International Club Friendly – 27 June 2026

Puszcza Niepolomice kicked off their pre-season preparations in convincing style on 27 June 2026, recording a comfortable 3–0 victory over Polish third‑tier side Star Starachowice in an international club friendly. The match, played behind closed doors at their training base, gave head coach Tomasz Tułacz valuable minutes for his squad as they build toward the new Ekstraklasa campaign.

First‑Half Dominance

The home side controlled proceedings from the first whistle. Puszcza’s high press forced early errors from Star Starachowice’s defence, and they took the lead in the 18th minute when winger Wojciech Hajda cut inside from the left and curled a shot into the far corner. The goal settled any early rustiness, and Puszcza doubled their advantage just before half‑time. A quick counter‑attack released striker Jakub Serafin, who slotted calmly past the visiting goalkeeper.

Second‑Half Control

Tułacz made multiple substitutions at the break, giving fringe players and trialists an opportunity to impress. Despite the changes, Puszcza retained their shape and continued to create chances. The third goal arrived in the 67th minute when midfielder Krystian Kardas rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header past the helpless Star goalkeeper. Star Starachowice offered little in response, managing only one shot on target across the 90 minutes.

Key Takeaways for Puszcza

• Sharp finishing: Three goals from three different scorers highlights a spreading of attacking threat.
• Defensive solidity: A clean sheet against a lower‑league opponent builds confidence ahead of tougher tests.
• Depth tested: Nils Hjelmberg made his unofficial debut in central midfield after arriving from Sweden, showing tidy passing range.

The friendly serves as an ideal start to Puszcza’s summer programme. They face Slovakian side Železiarne Podbrezová next weekend, with Star Starachowice returning to their own pre‑season schedule after a useful workout against top‑flight opposition.