16 Czechoslovakians #8: FK Pardubice

After last week’s lack of blog, it was good to be back at a game in one of the top two tiers, even if it wasn’t to be played in Pardubice itself.  Given the limited capacity of their own stadium for the top tier, Pardubice have to play their home fixtures at Bohemians’ ground in Prague during the first part of the season, meaning Ďolíček would be quieter than usual.

 

The cruel irony is that Pardubice may only get to play half a season in the top flight in their actual stadium given their dreadful start. Relegation seems to grow more certain with every passing game, with only two wins to their name so far. Given that Bohemians' ground is a little on the rustic side, one can only imagine how interesting Pardubice's ground is.

 

It would have been nice to actually visit Pardubice’s ground for this game, but a first trip to Prague since moving to Czech Republic would suffice. I’d say there’s always next season, but perhaps not…

 

As for the form book, Zbrojovka’s late cup win at Tabor arrested something of a recent slump in the league. Three successive defeats mean Brno find themselves in 10^th. That said, if ever there was a chance to arrest that slide in the league, Pardubice might be the best opponent.

 

The so-called ‘hosts’ find themselves with a paltry 6 points from 12 games, though both wins against Slovan Liberec and Jablonec came at ‘home’. Zbrojovka should take absolutely nothing for granted.

 

As for a prediction, I can see it being a bore goalless draw, but I hope I’m wrong.

 

After the Game

Zbrojovka did what they had to do in a comfortable 3-1 away win, though Pardubice were incredibly poor. An excellent hat-trick from the league’s joint top scorer Kuba Řezniček (aka The Little Butcher) meant that Zbrojovka could make the long trip back east in good spirits.

The heavy security presence outside the away end seemed a little much, especially given that one of them felt the need to search the inside of the book I had in my pocket, but once again, Zbrojovaci made a heck of a noise. The day in Prague was certainly an enjoyable one too, and any excuse to revisit is always gratefully received.

 

Other highlights of the day include the potato pancake at half-time, which was possibly the best bit of food I’ve had at a football stadium in the Czech Republic so far. Possibly beyond. Despite getting back to Brno at 1.30 (and back home an hour later), it was a day well spent in the capital.

 

Who are ya?

Formed in 2008, Pardubice are one of the newest sides in Czech football. They usually play at the 3,000 capacity Pod Vinicí, but of course this isn’t sufficient for the top tier. Nevertheless, their brief history has still seen an incredible rise from Division C (level 4) to the First League (level 1).

 

They were promoted to the Bohemian Football League (level 3) in 2010, and their stay at that level would only last another two years. They won promotion again in 2012, finishing 2^nd. They would spend 8 seasons in the 2.Liga, gaining promotion in 2020 to the top tier for the very first time.

 

The club have yet to establish themselves as a force in the Czech Cup, only reaching the Round of 16 once in 2016. They finished an impressive 7^th in their first season in the top flight in 2021, but 2022 would see them drop to 11^th.

 

Now Pardubice pop up the table, earning only half a point per game on average for the first 12. Perhaps it’s a case of homesickness for the Pod in Pardubice, but either way fortunes need to change soon if they want to see top tier football there next season.