In the 29th round of Estonia’s Premium Liiga, the season’s biggest surprise package, Harju JK Laagri, took another major step towards survival. Playing at home, they claimed their first-ever top-flight victory over Paide Linnameeskond with a convincing 3-0 triumph. In the other match of the day, FC Kuressaare and JK Narva Trans shared the spoils in a goalless draw.
Harju’s week was packed with matches – and victories. Six days earlier, right after the international break, they defeated Narva Trans 3-1. Just three days ago, at the opening of their new home ground, they edged past direct rivals Kuressaare. Today’s challenge was tougher: Paide, a club Harju had never beaten in the top division, came into the game fresh from a 3-0 demolition of bottom side Tallinna Kalev.
Despite dominating possession, Paide were sluggish and careless at the start, while Harju showed first-class focus and fighting spirit throughout. In the 9th minute, Kristjan Kriis punished a sloppy pass from William Gabriel to put the hosts ahead – already Harju’s second big chance, while Paide had yet to threaten.
The visitors eventually grew into the game, creating some pressure, but Siim Luts lacked precision and Harju’s keeper Ivans Baturins produced key saves. Meanwhile, Harju’s counterattacks remained sharp, denying Paide any real comfort on the pitch.
After halftime, Paide coach Vladimir Vassiljev tried to liven up the attack with substitutions. Substitute Bubacarr Trawally indeed caused problems and struck the crossbar late in the match.
But Harju’s counters were lethal. In the 57th minute, Karel Eerme earned a free kick near the left edge of the box. Daniil Rudenko whipped in a dangerous delivery, Kaspar Laur flicked it goalward, and Nourdine Camara bundled it into the net – 2-0. In the closing minutes, Ramol Sillamaa broke through, sent defender Ebria Jarju to the turf with a feint, and delicately chipped the keeper for 3-0.
The result marked Harju’s third straight win, lifting them 14 points clear of bottom side Tallinna Kalev. Kuressaare, in 9th and still not safe, are seven points ahead of Harju.
For Paide, the defeat is a serious setback in the title race, leaving them 11 points behind leaders Flora. Harju will look to extend their winning streak in four days against Nõmme Kalju, while Paide travel to Narva next weekend.
Harju JK Laagri vs Paide Linnameeskond – 3:0 (1:0)
Goals: Kriis 9′, Camara 58′, Sillamaa 90+1′
FC Kuressaare and JK Narva Trans played out a forgettable goalless draw. Narva dominated possession after the break and carved out three major chances, but Karl-Romet Nõmm and Märten Pajunurm denied them with heroic saves. Off-balance finishing from Oleg Gonsevich squandered the visitors’ best late opening.
Kuressaare now visit Tartu Tammeka on Friday, while Trans host Paide the next day.
FC Kuressaare vs JK Narva Trans – 0:0 (0:0)
Premium Liiga Matchday 29:
- 20.09.2025 – Harju JK Laagri vs Paide Linnameeskond – 3:0
- 20.09.2025 – FC Kuressaare vs JK Narva Trans – 0:0
- 20.09.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 2:1
- 21.09.2025 – Nomme Kalju FC vs FCI Levadia – 14:30
- 21.09.2025 – Parnu JK Vaprus vs JK Tallinna Kalev – 17:00
| # | Club | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 1 | FC Flora | 36 | 26 | 4 | 6 | 53 | 82 |
| 2 | FCI Levadia | 36 | 25 | 4 | 7 | 55 | 79 |
| 3 | Nõmme Kalju | 36 | 23 | 5 | 8 | 32 | 74 |
| 4 | Paide | 36 | 21 | 7 | 8 | 31 | 70 |
| 5 | Narva Trans | 36 | 15 | 6 | 15 | -1 | 51 |
| 6 | Pärnu Vaprus | 36 | 14 | 7 | 15 | 3 | 49 |
| 7 | Harju JK | 36 | 10 | 6 | 20 | -21 | 36 |
| 8 | Tammeka Tartu | 36 | 9 | 3 | 24 | -36 | 30 |
| 9 | FC Kuressaare | 36 | 8 | 4 | 24 | -35 | 28 |
| 10 | Tallinna Kalev | 36 | 5 | 2 | 29 | -81 | 17 |
