Kreida’s long-range strike helps Flora beat Trans and retain third place ahead of final round

FC Flora secured a crucial 2-0 home victory over already-relegated Narva Trans in Matchday 35 of the Estonian Premium Liiga, strengthening their hopes of finishing in the top three and qualifying for European competition next season. Vladislav Kreida broke the deadlock with an impressive long-range strike in the second half before Sergei Zenjov doubled the advantage in a match that also saw Trans midfielder German Šlein sent off following a VAR review.

Heading into the penultimate round, Flora knew that victory was essential in the tightly contested race for the remaining podium positions. Their opponents, Narva Trans, had already been relegated but arrived at Sportland Arena determined to frustrate the hosts.

Flora made a change in goal, with Kaur Kivila replacing Evert Grünvald for his first Premium Liiga appearance since August. Meanwhile, Erik Sorga was absent from the matchday squad, leaving experienced forward Sergei Zenjov to lead the attack. Trans also rotated their goalkeepers, handing Mark Zahharov a starting opportunity, while young defender Emilis Petkus made just his second league start.

The hosts immediately took control of possession and began applying pressure through set pieces. Flora earned four corners inside the opening six minutes, although Trans defended them effectively and prevented any clear-cut opportunities. Antonov attempted an early effort following one of the corners but failed to trouble Zahharov.

Trans registered their first attempt when Gero tried his luck from a tight angle, but his shot missed the target. At the opposite end, Sander Alamaa became increasingly involved in Flora’s attacking play, regularly looking to create opportunities down the flank. One of his low deliveries almost reached Zenjov inside the penalty area, but the forward was unable to bring the ball under control.

Despite dominating possession, Flora struggled to break down a disciplined Trans defence. Their attacking efforts largely consisted of crosses and corners, with the visitors successfully limiting the number of dangerous situations inside their penalty area.

The first significant test for Zahharov arrived in the 39th minute when Kolobov unleashed a powerful long-range effort following another Flora corner. The Trans goalkeeper was forced to stretch and produced a good save to prevent the hosts from taking the lead.

Shortly before the interval, Agaptšev received a yellow card for bringing down Tovstik and stopping a promising Flora attack. The booking also ruled him out of Trans’ final league match against Harju through suspension.

Flora entered the break frustrated by their inability to convert their dominance into goals. The hosts had enjoyed more possession, registered six attempts compared to Trans’ one and earned nine corners without reply, but the score remained 0-0.

Trans made three substitutions at half-time, introducing Besigirskis, Kudriashov and Irie in place of Filatov, Miranda and Agaptšev. However, Flora continued to dictate proceedings after the restart, with Alamaa remaining one of the hosts’ main attacking outlets.

Early in the second half, Alamaa found Varjund inside the penalty area, who attempted to set up Zenjov in front of goal, but the experienced forward could not produce a clean finish. Zenjov then had another opportunity following a corner, although his effort missed the target, while Alamaa tested Zahharov with a shot from distance.

Flora increased their attacking pressure around the hour mark and created two promising opportunities in quick succession. In the 61st minute, Zenjov received a pass from Varjund and fired towards goal, but his effort went straight at Zahharov, who made a comfortable save. Moments later, Alamaa cut inside from the corner of the penalty area and forced the goalkeeper into another important stop.

The hosts continued to pile on the pressure and it paid of. Alamaa provided the pass for Vladislav Kreida, who found space approximately 25 metres from goal and unleashed a precise long-range strike towards the bottom corner. Zahharov was unable to reach the ball as it flew just inside the post, giving Flora a deserved 1-0 advantage.

Trans almost produced an immediate response just two minutes later. Petkus found himself completely unmarked in front of goal and attempted to finish from close range, but Kivila produced an important save. The rebound fell to Campagna, who fired over the crossbar, wasting the visitors’ best opportunity of the match.

Having survived that scare, Flora doubled their advantage in the 77th minute through Zenjov. Kuraksin delivered an accurate cross from the right flank, and the experienced forward rose inside the six-yard area to direct a header into the net, making it 2-0.

However, the goal was not immediately confirmed, as referee was instructed to review a possible foul by Zenjov on Ivanjushin during the build-up. After examining the incident on the pitchside monitor, Lorenz allowed the goal to stand, confirming Flora’s two-goal advantage.

The controversy continued shortly afterwards when Trans player German Šlein was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Zenjov. The incident sparked a confrontation between players, with Flora’s Varjund also receiving a booking. Following another VAR review, Lorenz overturned Šlein’s yellow card and instead issued a straight red for stepping on Zenjov’s foot, leaving Trans to finish the match with ten men.

With a two-goal lead and a numerical advantage, Flora controlled the closing stages and created further opportunities to extend their lead. Substitute Zotov set up Usta inside the penalty area, but the forward’s stretched effort narrowly missed the target.

Zotov then came close to scoring his first goal for Flora in the third minute of stoppage time, only to be denied by another Zahharov save from close range. Usta also tested the Trans goalkeeper before the final whistle, but the visitors managed to avoid conceding a third.

The 2-0 victory earned Flora three crucial points, keeping them in third place heading into the final round of the Premium Liiga season. With a one-point advantage over fourth-placed Nõmme Kalju, Flora remain in control of their European qualification hopes.

Flora will conclude their campaign next Saturday with an away match against Paide Linnameeskond, while Kalju face a difficult trip to take on already-crowned champions FCI Levadia.

Flora Tallinn vs JK Narva Trans – 2-0 (0-0)
Goals: Kreida 69′, Zenjov 77′