Pärnu JK Vaprus produced one of the biggest surprises of Premium Liiga Matchday 9, holding on for a 2-1 away victory over league leaders Nõmme Kalju.
Kalju came into the match as clear favourites, but Vaprus were organised, disciplined and clinical. The hosts had more of the ball early on and created a strong chance when Mattias Männilaan headed from close range, only for Ott Nõmm to make an excellent reaction save.
The game turned in the 23rd minute, when Roko Vukušic brought down Mark Anders Lepik in the penalty area. Henri Välja stepped up and converted from the spot, sending the ball down the middle via the crossbar for his 4th goal of the season to give Vaprus the lead.
Vaprus then doubled their advantage in the 30th minute. Lepik did well near the byline, shrugging off his opponent before finding Välja. His shot was blocked, but Kevin Aloe reacted quickest to the loose ball and finished to make it 2-0.
Kalju reacted by making two first-half substitutions, but they struggled to break down a well-structured Vaprus defence. Despite leading the statistics in shots and corners, Kalju created very few clear chances before halftime.
The hosts improved after the break and eventually pulled one back in the 69th minute. Substitute Mihhail Orlov combined well with Bogdan Vaštšuk before finishing from close range to make it 2-1 and set up a tense finale.
Kalju pushed heavily in the final stages, sending players forward and forcing Vaprus deep into their own box. Musolitin and Orlov both had attempts, while Jabir came close from a corner, but Nõmm and the Vaprus defence held firm.
At the final whistle, Vaprus celebrated a massive away win. Despite the defeat, Kalju remained league leaders at least for a few more hours, while Vaprus climbed two places and moved up to seventh with 10 points.
Kalju will next travel to face JK Narva Trans on Friday, while Vaprus will host Nõmme United a day later, looking for revenge after their heavy 1-7 defeat in the first round.
Nõmme Kalju vs Pärnu JK Vaprus – 1-2 (0-2)
Goals: Orlov 69′ | Valja 23′ (Penalty kick), Aloe 30′
| # | 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 |
