Stal Stalowa Wola vs Widzew II

Kwapisz's 55th-minute equaliser shifted the momentum decisively. Before that goal, Widzew II had looked comfortable protecting their lead despite the mass half-time changes. Once level, Stal grew in confidence, began winning second balls in midfield, and created the pressure that led to the winner 23 minutes later.

Daniel Gryzio (Widzew II) — The only recognised goalscorer on the day, his 34th-minute finish was the standout moment of quality in the first half. He also had another attempt in the closing stages of the first period.

Szymon Kwapisz (Stal Stalowa Wola) — Scored the crucial equaliser with a well-timed header from a free-kick and was announced as a Stal player immediately after full-time. A debut goal in a trial-to-contract scenario.

Maciej Andrzejewski (Widzew II) — Kept Widzew in the game with a save from a close-range header in the first half and was otherwise steady under pressure.

Player of the Match: Szymon Kwapisz — his equaliser changed the game's trajectory and he sealed his own signing with the performance.

Stal's 2-1 victory was built on second-half pressure rather than territorial dominance. The hosts had a number of trialists on the pitch, including several who played only one half, which makes statistical analysis unreliable. The key data point: Stal scored twice after the break having managed only one shot on target in the first half (the 23rd-minute header saved by Andrzejewski). Widzew, by contrast, created three clear chances in the opening 45 minutes but only converted one.

For Stal Stalowa Wola, this was a useful fitness exercise and a first look at the squad under new manager Jarosław Skrobacz. The use of multiple trialists — including two goalscorers — suggests the club is still active in the market ahead of the Betclic 2 Liga season. Stal open their league campaign at home against Legia Warszawa II on Saturday 25 July.

For Widzew II, managed by Paweł Ściebura, this was a solid workout against a side one division higher. The III liga side will look to build on Gryzio's goal and the first-half defensive shape that kept a second-tier side scoreless for 55 minutes.

A routine pre-season friendly that told Stal Stalowa Wola more about their squad depth than their first XI. The trialist goalscorers will have given Skrobacz something to think about, while Widzew II can take heart from a competitive first-half display. The lasting image is Kwapisz's headed equaliser — a goal that doubled as a job application and a signing announcement rolled into one.