Pärnu Vaprus continued their impressive season in Premium Liiga Matchday 14, defeating second-placed Nõmme Kalju 3-1 at Pärnu Rannastaadion thanks to a brilliant performance from Henri Välja, who scored twice including a spectacular goal from near midfield.
It marked the second time this season Vaprus have defeated Kalju and another major result for the Pärnu club against one of the league’s strongest sides.
The home team made the perfect start already in the opening minutes. Joosep Põder burst into the penalty area between Vaštšuk and Siht before Modou Tambedou brought him down, giving Vaprus an early penalty. Henri Välja stepped up in the fourth minute and calmly converted straight down the middle as Kalju goalkeeper Perk moved away early.
Vaprus nearly doubled their lead soon after through Viidas and Limberg, while Kalju struggled to create clear chances despite enjoying more possession and corners.
The visitors were handed a huge opportunity to equalize in the 23rd minute after Roosson fouled Männilaan inside the box. However, Vaprus goalkeeper Nõmm became the hero, diving correctly to save Nikita Ivanov’s penalty attempt.
Kalju gradually increased the pressure during the rest of the first half, but Vaprus remained organized defensively and carried a deserved 1-0 lead into halftime.
The visitors started the second half aggressively and immediately created dangerous moments through Siht and Sõtšugov, but once again Nõmm produced important saves to preserve the lead.
Then came the moment of the match. In the 52nd minute Henri Välja noticed Perk slightly off his line and unleashed an incredible strike from near the centre circle that flew under the crossbar to make it 2-0 in spectacular fashion.
Kalju responded and found a way back into the game after another penalty decision. Pajo lost possession inside his own box before fouling Siht, allowing Männilaan to convert from the spot and reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the 63rd minute.
For a period it looked like Kalju could complete a comeback as the visitors pushed forward searching for an equalizer. Männilaan had a major opportunity on the counterattack, but Nõmm once again came up with an important save.
Vaprus defended resiliently throughout the closing stages and finally sealed the victory in stoppage time. Vallik won the ball in midfield before the attack was worked to Limberg on the right side. After cutting inside in the penalty area, Limberg found Virgo Vallik unmarked in front of goal, allowing him to tap home for 3-1 in the 90+2 minute.
The result keeps Vaprus firmly competitive in the upper half of the table, while Kalju miss an opportunity to put pressure on league leaders Levadia.
Pärnu Vaprus vs Nõmme Kalju – 3-1 (1-0)
Goals: Valja 4′ (Penalty kick) 52′, Vallik 90+2′ | Männilaan 63′ (Penalty kick)
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  FCI Levadia |
14 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 39 | 10 | 29 | 36 |
| 2 |  Nõmme Kalju |
14 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 10 | 16 | 28 |
| 3 |  FC Flora |
13 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 29 | 12 | 17 | 27 |
| 4 |  Paide |
13 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 21 | 18 | 3 | 20 |
| 5 |  Harju |
14 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 19 |
| 6 |  Pärnu Vaprus |
14 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 19 | 29 | -10 | 19 |
| 7 |  Tammeka |
13 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 15 | 19 | -4 | 16 |
| 8 |  Nõmme United |
14 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 27 | 36 | -9 | 13 |
| 9 |  Kuressaare |
13 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 13 | 23 | -10 | 12 |
| 10 |  Narva Trans |
14 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 10 | 37 | -27 | 9 |
