Tarmo Kink’s first match as Paide Linnameeskond head coach ended in disappointment, as Tartu JK Tammeka earned a surprise 1-0 away victory thanks to a late penalty.
Paide came into the match after a turbulent week. Following their first-round finish in third place, the club parted ways with Vladimir Vassiljev, whose final match was a 1-2 home defeat to Flora. Former assistant coach Kink took over, making one change to the lineup as Edgar Tur returned at right-back.
Tammeka, meanwhile, arrived in poor form, winless in five matches and having scored only twice during that run. But from the opening minutes, the visitors showed energy and confidence, matching Paide in a lively first half.
Both teams looked to attack quickly rather than build patiently. Paide had early danger through Modou Sohna, who was denied bravely by Tammeka goalkeeper Oskar Lapa after a defensive mistake. At the other end, Tristan Koskor had two good chances in quick succession, both saved by Ebrima Jarju, including a sharp one-handed stop from close range.
Paide also struck the post through Henri Anier before halftime, but Tammeka were far from passive. The visitors created several dangerous counterattacks and actually led the first-half shot count, going into the break level at 0-0.
After halftime, Paide had more pressure and controlled larger spells, especially from set pieces and wide deliveries, but they struggled to turn possession into clear chances. Tammeka defended with discipline and continued to threaten on the break, with Kauan Pereira and Chilem Ignatius both wasting good opportunities to punish the hosts.
The decisive moment arrived late in the match. After a long throw into the box, the ball struck Victor Hugo’s arm, and following a VAR review, Tammeka were awarded a penalty. In the 88th minute, Patrick Veelma stepped up and converted through Jarju’s legs to give the visitors the lead.
Paide pushed heavily during eight minutes of stoppage time, but Tammeka threw bodies in front of every ball and held firm to secure a huge three points.
For Paide, it was a frustrating start to the Kink era and another flat attacking performance. For Tammeka, it was a much-needed victory after a difficult run, earned through commitment, defensive discipline and sharp counterattacking moments.
Paide Linnameeskond vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 0-1 (0-0)
Goal: Veelma 88′ (Penalty kick)
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Nõmme Kalju |
10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 22 | 6 | 16 | 22 |
| 2 |  FCI Levadia |
9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 7 | 17 | 21 |
| 3 |  FC Flora |
10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 21 | 12 | 9 | 18 |
| 4 |  Paide |
10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 12 | 5 | 17 |
| 5 |  Harju |
10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 17 | -3 | 16 |
| 6 |  Nõmme United |
9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 20 | 22 | -2 | 10 |
| 7 |  Tammeka |
10 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 17 | -6 | 10 |
| 8 |  Pärnu Vaprus |
9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 18 | -9 | 10 |
| 9 |  Kuressaare |
9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 9 |
| 10 |  Narva Trans |
10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 29 | -20 | 6 |
