Sappinen scores his 20 goal – Flora rescues important point with a man down against Paide

Paide Linnameeskond came close to influencing the Premium Liiga title fight for the second straight round, but Flora Tallinn rescued a crucial point at the death as Rauno Sappinen struck in stoppage time for a 1-1 draw – his 20th goal of the season.

Flora arrived in Paide with a three-point lead over FCI Levadia, gained when Levadia had dropped points against Paide a week earlier. Once again, Paide looked ready to play the spoiler. Henri Anier put the hosts in front midway through the first half after excellent work by Siim Luts, who beat his marker on the right before crossing for the veteran striker to finish from close range. VAR confirmed the goal after a lengthy check, and Paide went into halftime deservedly 1-0 up despite Flora’s numerous corners and half-chances.

Flora increased the pressure after the break, but Paide defended bravely, with Gilmore and Juhkam clearing several dangerous balls. Tension rose when VAR reviewed a possible red card for Juhkam after he stepped on Sappinen – the referee, however, chose to show only a yellow. Later, Flora midfielder Vladislav Kreida was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving the visitors down to ten men in the closing minutes.

Paide seemed destined to take all three points, but into the stoppage time, Markus Poom played a quick free kick that caught Paide’s defense off guard, and Sappinen fired past Meerits from a tight angle to equalize. Moments later, Flora almost stole the win when Vaher hit the post, but an controversial finish happened right at the end. Paide scored a last second goal, but the Martin Miller strike was ruled out for offside – a very close call as the review was done very quick even though the play was very tight.

This draw allows Flora escape with an important point and leaves Flora four points ahead of Levadia with two matches remaining – at home against Kuressaare and away to Pärnu JK Vaprus – meaning the title remains firmly in their hands. Levadia must win their trip to Pärnu to keep any hope alive.

Paide Linnameeskond vs FC Flora Tallinn – 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: Anier 39′ | Sappinen 90+2′

Premium Liiga Matchday 34:

• 25.10.2025 – Tartu JK Tammeka vs JK Tallinna Kalev – 5:2
• 25.10.2025 – FC Kuressaare vs Nomme Kalju FC – 0:1
• 25.10.2025 – Harju JK Laagri vs JK Narva Trans – 1:0
• 26.10.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs FC Flora Tallinn – 1:1
• 26.10.2025 – Parnu JK Vaprus vs FCI Levadia – 19:30