Drama in Pärnu: Vaprus rescue a point in the 100th minute

In a rescheduled match from Round 19 of the Estonian Premium Liiga, fans were treated to a dramatic 2-2 draw between Pärnu JK Vaprus and Harju JK Laagri, featuring two penalties, a flurry of chances, and a 100th-minute equalizer by Kevin Aloe – his first goal of the season.

Originally set to be played in early July, the fixture was delayed by several weeks. This was the third meeting between the two sides this season: the first ended 1-1 in Pärnu, while in Harju stadium Pärnu snatched a late 1–0 win in the second game, thanks to an 89th-minute goal by Sander Kapper.

Coming into this clash, Vaprus sat eight points clear of Harju in the standings, with Harju fighting to climb out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Vaprus trailed fifth-placed Narva Trans by 12 points. Following a painful loss away to FC Kuressaare, Vaprus head coach Igor Prins made three changes. Defender Kevin Aloe returned to the starting XI after coming off the bench in the last two matches. Attacking midfielder Enrico Veensalu was back from suspension, while Virgo Vallik replaced 16-year-old Paalberg up front.

Harju, fresh off a 26-0 Estonian Cup win over amateur side TransferWise, fielded their strongest lineup. Andreas Kaevats returned from suspension, and Estonia U21 international Ramol Sillamaa started his third straight game since joining the team. Also on the bench was Nourdine Camara, a recent signing and former Bayer Leverkusen academy player, who would later make his senior debut.

Before kickoff, Pärnu celebrated a milestone as Kevin Kauber was honored for reaching 100 appearances for the club, receiving a custom jersey with the number 100 on the back.

The match opened with high energy from Harju, who pressed aggressively and earned a corner in the first minute. Though the hosts struggled to break the press early on, Harju capitalized quickly. In the 6th minute, Ussa launched a long diagonal to Rudenko, who played in Andres Järve. The fullback dribbled past two defenders and cut the ball across goal, where it bounced off a Vaprus player and fell kindly for Ramol Sillamaa. The youngster calmly slotted it home – his first goal for Harju and his first in the Premium Liiga since April 2023.

The early goal jolted Vaprus into life. Just minutes later, Vallik found himself one-on-one with Harju keeper Ivans Baturins, rounded him, but couldn’t get the shot off cleanly. Vaprus continued to push and forced Baturins into a string of saves, particularly from long-range efforts by Valja.

The hosts eventually got their reward late in the first half. Following a corner, Sander Kapper broke into the box and was brought down by Kirill Antonov. The referee pointed to the spot, and Tristan Pajo sent Baturins the wrong way to level it 1-1 going into halftime.

The second half began with Vaprus taking control, nearly scoring off an early corner. Magnus Villota rose highest but headed just over. Vaprus looked determined to take the lead, pressing high, recovering balls quickly, and launching wave after wave of attacks. However, Harju’s defense remained solid, and Baturins continued his impressive performance in goal.

Despite dominating possession and territory, Vaprus were punished on the break in the 64th minute. After a Harju set-piece was cleared, a loose ball was contested in the penalty area. Veensalu caught Ribeiro in the face with his foot, and the referee awarded Harju a penalty after a lengthy delay for medical attention. In the 68th minute, top scorer Karel Eerme converted calmly for his 11th goal of the season, restoring Harju’s lead at 2-1.

Vaprus responded furiously. In the 75th minute, substitute Matthias Limberg broke free down the right and crossed into the box. The ball was slightly deflected by Baturins, but still found its way to Sander Kapper, whose powerful shot was dramatically blocked on the goal line by Andreas Kaevats, preserving Harju’s narrow lead.

In the 85th minute, Harju introduced Nourdine Camara, marking his first senior appearance in professional football.

Nine minutes of added time were shown, and Vaprus threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. In the 99th minute, after a controversial free kick was awarded, Pärnu’s goalkeeper Nomm joined the attack in the Harju box. Pajo’s cross was punched away by Baturin, but the clearance didn’t get far. The ball fell to Kapper, whose shot was saved again by Baturins, but the rebound dropped right in front of Kevin Aloe. The defender reacted first and buried the ball, making it 2-2 in the 100th minute – a dramatic end and his first goal of the season.

For Harju, it was another heartbreaking late collapse in a season full of them. For Vaprus, it was a well-earned point after dominating large stretches of the game. Despite the result, the table remains unchanged: Vaprus stay sixth with 24 points, while Harju sit ninth with 16.

Next up, Vaprus will visit JK Tallinna Kalev on August 5, while Harju travel to face Paide Linnameeskond on August 3.

Parnu JK Vaprus vs Harju JK Laagri – 2:2 (1:1)
Goals: Pajo 45+3′ (11 M), Aloe 90+10′ | Sillamaa 6′, Eerme 68′ (11 M)
PAR: Nomm, Mag.Villota, Lipp, Aloe, Valja, Sild, Pajo, Veensalu (Limberg 71′), Kapper, Kauber (Paalberg 71′), Vallik, (Mat.Villota 71′)
HAR: Baturins, Jarve, Kaevats (Kose 85′), Laur, Antonov, Ussa, Ribeiro (Reimaa 71′), Rudenko, Roosmussaar, Sillamaa (Piht 62′), Eerme (Camara 85′)

Premium Liiga Matchday 19:

• 04.07.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs FCI Levadia – 0:3
• 05.07.2025 – JK Narva Trans vs FC Kuressaare – 3:2
• 06.07.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 3:2
• 06.07.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs Nomme Kalju FC – 1:0
• 25.07.2025 – Parnu JK Vaprus vs Harju JK Laagri – 2:2