Paide Linnameeskond returned from the international break with a statement performance, thrashing Tartu JK Tammeka 5-0 in Paide and, at least temporarily, climbing back to third place in the Premium Liiga table.
For Paide, the match offered a chance to sweep the season series against Tartu and bounce back after dropping crucial points in a draw against FC Kuressaare before the break. Tartu, sitting nine points clear of bottom-placed JK Tallinna Kalev, came into the game on a four-match losing streak, with their last win dating back to August 31 against Harju JK Laagri.
Head coach Vladimir Vassiljev made several adjustments to Paide’s lineup. One of the biggest was in goal, where Marko Meerits replaced Ebrima Harju, who had just traveled back after being away with Gambia for international break. In defense, only Michael Lilander retained his place from the Kuressaare match, while Gerdo Juhkam made his first start in over three months. On the other side, Tartu welcomed back Guinean forward Mousta Bah and Estonian Henri Järvelaid, both returning after sitting out the previous game against FCI Levadia due to loan agreements.
The first goal came in the 37th minute. After a neat combination between Henrik Ojamaa, Luqman Gilmore, and Michael Lilander, the latter unleashed a precise strike from just outside the box into the bottom right corner to make it 1-0 – his first goal of the season. Paide doubled their lead before the break when veteran Siim Luts struck from the edge of the penalty area, scoring his third goal in the last five matches.
The second half only strengthened Paide’s dominance. Capitalizing on a midfield turnover, Ojamaa picked out Brazilian forward Willian Lins, who finished clinically into the far corner for 3-0. Shortly after, striker Henri Anier scored twice in quick succession in the 70th and 72nd minutes, sending the home crowd into celebration at 5-0.
Tartu had a chance to pull one back when the referee initially awarded a penalty, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned. VAR was involved again soon after, this time to upgrade David Epton’s yellow card to a straight red for a reckless challenge, leaving the visitors down to ten men.
Paide comfortably saw out the match to secure their third consecutive home victory and complete a clean sweep of their season series against Tartu. With this result, Paide move up to third place – at least until tomorrow’s fixtures – while Tartu Tammeka suffer their fifth straight defeat and remain in ninth.
Next up, Paide will face Levadia away in four days, while Tartu Tammeka will travel to Harju JK Laagri for an important clash in their fight to avoid the relegation zone.
Paide Linnameeskond vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 5:0 (2:0)
Goals: Lilander 37′, Si.Luts 45+4′, Willian Lins 50′, Anier 70′ 72′
Premium Liiga Matchday 32:
- 18.10.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 5:0
- 18.10.2025 – FC Kuressaare vs FCI Levadia – 14:30
- 18.10.2025 – JK Narva Trans vs Parnu JK Vaprus – 16:00
- 18.10.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs JK Tallinna Kalev – 19:00
- 19.10.2025 – Harju JK Laagri vs Nomme Kalju FC – 14:30
| # | 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 |
