Premium Liiga leaders FCI Levadia spoiled David Campana’s first match in charge of JK Narva Trans, claiming a deserved 3-1 away victory to maintain their position at the top of the table.
The 52-year-old Spaniard took charge of Trans for the first time following his appointment earlier this week, but his side faced one of the toughest possible assignments against the league leaders, who had already defeated the Narva club 7-0 earlier this season.
Levadia immediately established complete control of proceedings. They struck the woodwork twice inside the opening eight minutes, with Abraham Nwankwo heading against the crossbar from a corner before Mihkel Ainsalu’s free-kick also rattled the frame of the goal.
Despite dominating possession Levadia had to wait until the 35th minute to break the deadlock. Tambedou received possession inside the penalty area before laying the ball back to Mark Roosnupp, who curled a precise first-time finish into the bottom corner.
The visitors doubled their advantage just before the break through the outstanding Tambedou. Released down the left by Roosnupp, the winger cut inside and unleashed a superb strike into the top corner, giving goalkeeper Daniil Pareiko no chance. Both players headed into half-time with a goal and an assist to their names.
Trans improved after the interval and enjoyed more possession than they had managed in the opening 45 minutes, but they still struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Levadia’s organised defence.
Instead, it was the visitors who struck again in the 72nd minute. Ainsalu’s cross was flicked on by Ivanyushin, allowing Bubacarr Tambedou, the league leading scorer, to finish from a tight angle into the far corner for his second goal of the evening and 14th overall this season.
With the outcome effectively decided, Levadia comfortably controlled the closing stages before Trans grabbed a late consolation goal. In the 90th minute, 18-year-old Arnas Besigirskis delivered a low cross that another teenager Nikita Baljabkin converted from close range to deny the visitors a clean sheet.
Although Campana’s debut ended in defeat, the result was hardly unexpected given the quality of the opposition. Levadia controlled the match from start to finish and fully deserved another three points as they continued their impressive title challenge with a 10 point lead over rivals Flora.
Now Levadia turn their attention to UEFA Conference League, as they travel to Wales to play on Thursday against Caernarfon side.
Narva Trans vs FCI Levadia – 1-3 (0-2)
Goals: Baljabkin 90′ | Roosnupp 35′, Tambedou 43′ 72′
