Premium Liiga Round 17 produced late drama in Tallinn as Paide Linnameeskond came from behind to defeat Flora 2-1, securing all three points thanks to a second-half penalty from substitute Henri Anier.
The match brought together two of Estonia’s traditional top clubs, with Flora looking to keep pace in the title race and Paide aiming to strengthen their position in the battle for European places.
The hosts could hardly have wished for a better start. Just five minutes into the match, Flora capitalised on a defensive mistake from Paide defender Nikita Baranov. Rauno Sappinen won possession high up the pitch and the loose ball eventually fell to Danil Kuraksin, who smashed it into the net to give Flora an early 1-0 lead.
Paide responded positively and nearly equalised within minutes. Kristofer Piht found space inside the penalty area and aimed for the far corner, but goalkeeper Evert Grünvald produced an excellent save to preserve Flora’s advantage.
As the half progressed, the visitors began to settle. Abdourahman Badamosi wasted a promising opportunity before Piht headed narrowly over the crossbar, but the pressure eventually paid off.
In the 39th minute Flora defender Sander Tovstik miscontrolled the ball in his own half, allowing Badamosi to pounce. The Gambian forward raced through on goal, rounded Grünvald with a clever touch and calmly rolled the ball into the empty net despite the desperate recovery efforts of Flora’s defenders. The equaliser shifted momentum and the teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
Paide nearly completed the turnaround early in the second half. Following a corner kick, Baranov delivered a delicate cross into the six-yard box where Badamosi rose highest, but Grünvald once again came to Flora’s rescue with a sharp save.
Flora responded with a series of chances of their own. Remo Valdmets twice threatened, first forcing Ebrima Jarju into a save and later heading directly at the goalkeeper. Rauno Alliku also made an impact from the bench, creating another opportunity for Valdmets as the hosts pushed for a second goal.
The best chance of the half arrived in the 67th minute. Sappinen broke through on goal and found himself just a few metres from the net, but Jarju stood firm and produced a crucial save to keep the score level.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, the decisive moment arrived ten minutes from time. Henri Anier drove into the Flora penalty area and saw his shot strike the arm of defender Oscar Pihela. After reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Anier took responsibility himself and confidently blasted the penalty into the top corner in the 80th minute, completing Paide’s comeback and silencing the home crowd.
Flora pushed desperately for a late equaliser during six minutes of added time, with Vladislav Kreida delivering several dangerous balls into the area, but Paide’s defence held firm.
The final whistle confirmed a valuable 2-1 victory for Paide Linnameeskond. After falling behind inside five minutes, the visitors showed resilience and took advantage of Flora’s defensive mistakes to claim all three points.
After this win Paide Linnameeskond move closer to the TOP 3, just two points behind Flora and Kalju who are on 30 points so far.
FC Flora Tallinn vs Paide Linnameeskond – 1-2 (1-1)
Goals: Kuraksin 5′ | Badamosi 39′, Anier 80′ (Penalty kick)
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  FCI Levadia |
17 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 45 | 13 | 32 | 43 |
| 2 |  FC Flora |
16 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 33 | 18 | 15 | 30 |
| 3 |  Nõmme Kalju |
17 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 14 | 15 | 30 |
| 4 |  Paide |
17 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 21 | 5 | 28 |
| 5 |  Tammeka |
16 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 18 | 20 | -2 | 23 |
| 6 |  Pärnu Vaprus |
16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 20 | 31 | -11 | 20 |
| 7 |  Nõmme United |
17 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 33 | 40 | -7 | 19 |
| 8 |  Harju |
17 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 21 | 30 | -9 | 19 |
| 9 |  Kuressaare |
16 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 17 | 26 | -9 | 17 |
| 10 |  Narva Trans |
17 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 11 | 40 | -29 | 10 |
