Nõmme Kalju finally brought their losing run to an end with a 2-0 home victory over Narva Trans, claiming their first win since the middle of August while leaving the visitors increasingly isolated at the bottom of the Premium Liiga table.
Both teams came into the match badly needing a result. Kalju had lost five consecutive matches in all competitions, including a cup defeat against Trans, while the Narva side had gone six league matches without a win and desperately needed points in their relegation battle.
Kalju made an important change in goal, with Maksim Pavlov replacing Henri Perk after the latter’s costly mistake in the previous Nõmme derby. The hosts initially controlled possession without creating much, while Trans produced the first attempts through Jegor Žuravljov and Ahmad Gero.
The breakthrough nevertheless went Kalju’s way in the 12th minute. Alex Boronilštšikov found Mattias Männilaan outside the penalty area and the striker took advantage of space between Trans defenders before driving a powerful effort inside the post for 1-0.
Trans responded well and began to create pressure. Yenerey Betancor saw an effort deflected wide before a sequence of corners ended with Sergei Kondrattsev shooting straight at Pavlov from close range. Campagna later put the ball into the net following another dangerous Trans attack, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Kalju gradually recovered control as the first half progressed. Männilaan forced Mark Zahharov into a save with a header, while Enrique Esono and Boronilštšikov also had opportunities. Trans nevertheless finished the opening 45 minutes having produced more attempts and more shots on target, but remained one goal behind.
The visitors started the second half aggressively and almost equalised immediately. Gero found himself in an excellent position from around five metres, but Pavlov made himself big and produced a crucial save with his leg.
Pavlov was needed again later in the half when Betancor delivered into the area and Campagna powered a header towards the top of the goal from close range. The Kalju goalkeeper responded with another excellent stop as Trans continued searching for a way back into the contest.
Narva kept pushing, but their attacks gradually lost sharpness. They won a series of corners and spent long spells in Kalju’s half, yet too many final balls and shots lacked quality. As the closing stages approached, Kalju became increasingly comfortable and focused on protecting their advantage.
The victory was finally secured in stoppage time. Kalju broke forward on the counterattack and substitute Jabir raced through one-on-one with Zahharov. He took the ball around the goalkeeper and rolled it into the empty net, with Männilaan providing the assist, to complete the 2-0 win.
For Kalju, the result ended a five-match losing streak and delivered their first victory since mid-August. Trans, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the table, with their hopes of avoiding relegation becoming increasingly difficult with every dropped point.
Kalju vs Narva Trans – 2-0 (1-0)
Goals: Männilaan 12′, Jabir 90+3′
Next Matches:
Kalju (a) Tartu Tammeka – September 20
Narva (h) Levadia – September 20
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  FCI Levadia |
27 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 74 | 20 | 54 | 68 |
| 2 |  FC Flora |
28 | 17 | 1 | 10 | 56 | 37 | 19 | 52 |
| 3 |  Nõmme Kalju |
28 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 49 | 26 | 23 | 47 |
| 4 |  Paide |
26 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 42 | 33 | 9 | 45 |
| 5 |  Tammeka |
26 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 33 | 37 | -4 | 41 |
| 6 |  Pärnu Vaprus |
27 | 10 | 4 | 13 | 37 | 52 | -15 | 34 |
| 7 |  Harju |
27 | 10 | 1 | 16 | 38 | 46 | -8 | 31 |
| 8 |  Nõmme United |
28 | 9 | 1 | 18 | 46 | 65 | -19 | 28 |
| 9 |  Kuressaare |
27 | 8 | 4 | 15 | 30 | 46 | -16 | 28 |
| 10 |  Narva Trans |
28 | 5 | 3 | 20 | 21 | 64 | -43 | 18 |
