Harju secure second straight victory with comfortable win over Nõmme United

Having defeated Kalju 1-0 just three days earlier thanks to a late Kaspar Rõõmussaar winner, Harju entered the encounter with renewed confidence. United, meanwhile, were looking to strengthen their position in the battle to avoid the relegation play-offs.

Both sides made several changes to their starting lineups due to the demanding schedule. Harju introduced Vaher, Soo and Kaevats, while United handed starting opportunities to Evans, Oostenbrink and Chanda.

The hosts made a dream start, taking the lead after just five minutes through an excellent set-piece finish. United defender Järvelaid pushed Kelement in the back near the edge of the penalty area, giving Harju a free-kick in a dangerous position. Rudenko stepped up and curled a superb effort past the goalkeeper and into the corner to put the hosts ahead 1-0.

The early breakthrough allowed Harju to settle into the contest, with the home side controlling proceedings for much of the opening quarter of an hour. United struggled to create meaningful opportunities, despite enjoying spells of possession.

The match became increasingly physical, with several challenges disrupting the flow of play. Järvelaid was involved in a confrontation with Kaevats in the 19th minute, although a VAR review determined that no red card was necessary.

United gradually began to find their attacking rhythm, largely through the creativity of Zakaria Beglarishvili. In the 32nd minute, he created an opportunity for Krasnov, but the forward sent his effort several metres wide of the far post.

Two minutes later, Beglarishvili tested Harju goalkeeper Jan Vainula with a long-range attempt, forcing the goalkeeper to tip the ball over the crossbar. He then set up Järvelaid for another effort, but the defender also failed to hit the target.

Despite United’s improved attacking play towards the end of the half, Harju remained organised defensively and protected their narrow advantage until the interval.

The visitors emerged with greater intensity after the break, with Beglarishvili sending an effort narrowly wide. However, United continued to struggle with their final ball, failing to turn promising attacking positions into clear-cut opportunities.

Harju punished that lack of cutting edge in the 55th minute, doubling their advantage through Karel Eerme. Following a short corner routine, Palutaja delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, where Eerme rose to direct a header into the net and give the hosts a commanding 2-0 lead.

Harju almost added a third shortly after the hour mark when Binate found the net following a rebound off the post. However, the goal was disallowed because Eerme had been in an offside position and interfered with play during the build-up.

United also had a goal ruled out for offside when Järvelaid raced onto a through ball from Beglarishvili and finished past the goalkeeper. Replays confirmed that the attacker had moved too early.

As the match entered its final stages, United continued to search for a way back into the contest, but Harju’s disciplined defensive performance repeatedly frustrated the visitors.

The visitors came closest to reducing the deficit in the closing minutes when they created three opportunities in quick succession, only for Harju’s defenders to block the attempts, including a crucial intervention from Kaspar Laur.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Harju, who made it two wins from two matches against Nõmme-based opponents in the space of just a few days.

The result effectively secures Harju’s place in next season’s Premium Liiga. While Nõmme United with five games to go in the season still have eight point advantage over last place JK Narva Trans.