Nõmme United beat Vaprus in a high-scoring game to intensify relegation play-off battle

Nõmme United continued their impressive late-season revival with a thrilling 4-2 home victory over Pärnu Vaprus at Sportland Arena, securing another crucial three points in the battle to avoid the Estonian Premium Liiga relegation play-offs. A brace from Õunapuu helped the hosts overturn an early deficit before two goals in quick succession during the second half sealed their second consecutive victory.

Following their convincing 3-0 triumph over local rivals Nõmme Kalju, United made just one change to their starting lineup, with Õunapuu replacing Nikita Vassiljev. The forward was handed his first start since August 14.

Vaprus, meanwhile, were missing several regular starters, including suspended trio Sander Kapper, Lipp and Viidas. Captain Magnus Villota returned to the starting lineup for the first time since April following a lengthy injury absence.

Despite United controlling possession during the opening minutes, it was Vaprus who struck first in the seventh minute. Pajo carried the ball forward through midfield before delivering an excellent through pass to Limberg, who calmly converted a one-on-one opportunity with a low finish.

The hosts responded positively and came close to equalising when Järvelaid delivered a dangerous low cross that Õunapuu redirected against the post. United continued applying pressure, with Järvelaid particularly influential down the left flank. A free-kick delivery from the wing-back created another opportunity for Palts, but Vaprus goalkeeper Nõmm produced an important save.

The equaliser eventually arrived in the 33rd minute. Frolov sent a dangerous low ball into the penalty area, where Õunapuu saw his initial effort saved by Nõmm before reacting quickest to turn the rebound into the net.

United should have taken the lead before half-time when another Järvelaid free kick caused problems inside the visitors’ penalty area. Õunapuu’s header was saved, but the rebound fell to Geiger just two metres from goal. Remarkably, he failed to convert, leaving the score level at the interval.

The start of the second half was delayed by approximately 15 minutes following a medical emergency involving United player Ricky Chanda. The midfielder was replaced by Alteberg, with an ambulance attending the scene.

When play resumed, both teams continued searching for a breakthrough, but United eventually took the lead in the 59th minute. Following a Järvelaid corner, the ball was initially cleared before Läänelaid returned it into the penalty area. A deflection off Limberg sent the ball towards Geiger, who finished with an effort that struck the post before crossing the line.

However, Vaprus refused to surrender and equalised in spectacular fashion in the 67th minute. Pajo stepped up to take a free kick and curled an outstanding effort into the far top corner, restoring parity at 2-2.

The visitors’ celebrations were short-lived. Just one minute later, Järvelaid delivered another excellent pass into the penalty area, where Õunapuu controlled the ball before guiding a composed finish into the far bottom corner to restore United’s advantage.

The hosts then extended their lead in the 72nd minute. Järvelaid once again provided the decisive delivery from the left flank, finding Adyn Torres, who arrived at pace inside the penalty area and converted with a first-time finish to make it 4-2.

Vaprus attempted to respond, but United remained in control during the closing stages and successfully protected their two-goal advantage.

The result leaves the relegation play-off battle finely balanced heading into the final rounds of the season. Vaprus remain on 36 points, Kuressaare have 35, and Nõmme United are now just two points behind Vaprus with 34.

Nõmme United vs Pärnu Vaprus – 4-2 (1-1)
Goals: Õunapuu 33′ 68′, Geiger 59′, Torres 72′ | Limberg 7′, Pajo 67′