Nikolajev goal enough for Kalju to beat Harju
Photo: Kalju/Facebook Nõmme Kalju moved within two points of Premium Liiga leaders FCI Levadia after grinding out a 1-0 home victory over Harju JK Laagri in round 13.
Harju began brightly and caused Kalju problems early on, especially through their wide attacks. Kriis and Eerme both found space in dangerous areas, while Kalju needed time to settle into the match. The first half ended goalless, and that felt fair based on the balance of play.
After the break, Kalju found the decisive moment. In the 52nd minute, Matthias Männilaan released Aleksandr Nikolajev down the left side, and the full-back made no mistake, driving a low finish into the far corner to put the hosts ahead.
Harju tried to respond and had moments of pressure, but Kalju’s defence held firm. The visitors also felt they had a penalty shout when Kesa went down in the box, but the referee waved play on.
The closing stages were tense. Nikolajev briefly appeared to be sent off after a clash with a Harju player, but the decision was changed and he escaped with a yellow card. Deep into stoppage time, Kalju thought they had scored a second through Daniil Sõtšugov, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Kalju still had enough to see out the 1-0 win. The result was deserved overall, with the home side producing more shots and keeping Harju without a single effort on target.
Nõmme Kalju vs Harju JK Laagri – 1-0 (0-0)
Goal: Nikolajev 53′
# Team P
W D L
GF GA GD Pts
1
FCI Levadia32
25
6
1
87
22
65
81
2
FC Flora33
19
1
13
63
47
16
58
3
Paide32
17
6
9
52
39
13
57
4
Nõmme Kalju32
15
6
11
54
33
21
51
5
Tammeka32
15
2
15
42
51
-9
47
6
Harju33
15
2
16
48
48
0
47
7
Pärnu Vaprus32
10
6
16
43
63
-20
36
8
Kuressaare32
10
5
17
34
51
-17
35
9
Nõmme United32
10
1
21
50
74
-24
31
10
Narva Trans32
5
5
22
25
70
-45
20
