League champions Flora Tallinn came from behind in the second half to secure an important 2-1 away victory over Paide Linnameeskond in Premium Liiga Matchday 9.
Paide made a dream start, taking the lead already in the second minute. Victor Hugo delivered the ball into the box, where Henri Anier used his experience and quality to beat Flora’s young defender before finishing into the top corner. Kaur Kivila had no chance, and Flora were punished almost immediately.
After the early shock, Flora gradually took control of the match. The visitors had more possession, created pressure through corners and repeatedly reached dangerous areas, but Paide goalkeeper Jarju kept his side in front with several important saves. Paide, meanwhile, offered little going forward after the opening goal.
Flora’s pressure finally paid off early in the second half. In the 62nd minute, youngster Tony Varjund found Rauno Sappinen unmarked near the penalty spot, and the striker calmly finished into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
The visitors continued to look like the better side, and in the 76st minute they completed the comeback. Victor Hugo lost concentration, Sergei Zenjov stole the ball and found Usta inside the box, who finished to put Flora 2-1 ahead.
Paide tried to respond late on, but their attacking play lacked clarity. Badamosi had a couple of situations after coming on, but failed to make them count. Things got even worse for the hosts near the end, when William Lins was sent off after a foul on Usta.
Flora held on for a deserved win, moving closer to the top of the table. They remain fifth with 15 points, while Paide, despite suffering their second defeat of the season and first since Matchday 1, stay third after the first round.
Flora will look to continue their winning run on Thursday at home against surprise package Harju JK Laagri, while Paide will try to bounce back a day later when they host Tartu JK Tammeka.
Paide Linnameeskond vs Flora Tallinn – 1-2 (1-0)
Goals: Anier 3′ | Sappinen 62′ Usta 76′
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  FCI Levadia |
9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 7 | 17 | 21 |
| 2 |  Nõmme Kalju |
9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 19 | 6 | 13 | 19 |
| 3 |  Paide |
9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 17 |
| 4 |  Harju |
9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 14 | 12 | 2 | 16 |
| 5 |  FC Flora |
9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 15 |
| 6 |  Nõmme United |
9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 20 | 22 | -2 | 10 |
| 7 |  Pärnu Vaprus |
9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 18 | -9 | 10 |
| 8 |  Kuressaare |
9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 9 |
| 9 |  Tammeka |
9 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 7 |
| 10 |  Narva Trans |
9 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 26 | -17 | 6 |
