Nõmme Kalju came from behind to beat JK Narva Trans 2-1 in the fourth round of the Estonian Premium Liiga, preserving their perfect start to the season with a fourth win from four matches.
Kalju had looked sharp from the opening whistle at Hiiu and dominated much of the early stages, but despite their bright start they could not find a way past Narva goalkeeper Daniil Pareiko. The visitors gradually grew into the contest and made their moment count in the 35th minute.
A cross from the right by Ivanjushn found Stanislav Agaptšev inside the box, and the midfielder guided his header home from close range to give Trans a 1-0 lead. It was the first time Kalju had conceded in the league this season and left the home side facing an unfamiliar situation.
Before the break, Kalju had enjoyed more of the ball and territory, but Narva had weathered the pressure and struck with efficiency. The hosts entered halftime trailing despite having started the stronger of the two teams.
Kalju responded with real urgency after the restart. Their pressure began to build, and they nearly found a breakthrough when Männilaan finished off a well-worked move in the 55th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
That warning sign was followed by an equaliser in the 64th minute. Mihhail Orlov delivered a dangerous cross from the left, the ball bounced kindly through traffic, and Daniil Sõtšugov reacted quickest inside the area to finish from close range and make it 1-1.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in Kalju’s favour, and the home side continued to push for a winner. Narva still had moments of threat on the counter, but Kalju increasingly looked the more likely side to produce the decisive moment.
That moment arrived in the 81st minute in controversial circumstances. Sõtšugov went down in the box after contact from Ivanjushin, and although the initial decision appeared to go Narva’s way, VAR called the referee to the monitor. After the review, Kalju were awarded a penalty.
Männilaan stepped up and calmly sent the spot kick into the left side of the net, with Pareiko diving the other way, to complete the turnaround and put Kalju 2-1 ahead.
Narva still had chances to salvage something in stoppage time. Kudriashov headed wide from a dangerous Aleksander Filatov delivery, while Gero later sent another late header over the bar after meeting a cross in the 96th minute. But Trans could not make their late opportunities count.
In the end, Kalju held on for another three points, continuing their flawless start to the campaign with maximum points after four rounds.
Nõmme Kalju vs JK Narva Trans – 2-1 (0-1)
Goals: Sõtšugov 64′, Männilaan 81′ (Penalty kick) | Agaptšev 35′
Round 4
Paide
Narva Trans
FC Flora
Nõmme United
Harju| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nõmme Kalju |
4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 12 |
| 2 | FCI Levadia |
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| 3 | Paide |
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 7 |
| 4 | Tammeka |
4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
| 5 | Harju |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| 6 | Nõmme United |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 3 |
| 7 | FC Flora |
4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 3 |
| 8 | Narva Trans |
4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 3 |
| 9 | Kuressaare |
4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 3 |
| 10 | Pärnu Vaprus |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 11 | -6 | 3 |
