Patrikejevs game winning goal ends Harju home winning streak

In the rescheduled Matchday 25 fixture of the Estonian Premium Liiga, Harju JK Laagri’s home winning streak came to an end against Nõmme Kalju. The visitors let slip a two-goal advantage but, thanks to a late strike from Ivans Patrikejevs, still emerged with a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Harju had recently been in excellent form at the new-look Laagri Stadium, claiming back-to-back home wins against Kuressaare and Paide Linnameeskond, while also winning away versus Narva Trans. That run gave them three consecutive victories and lifted them into seventh place. Kalju, meanwhile, entered the match in fourth, unbeaten in four outings. Their streak began with a win over Kuressaare, followed by draws with Paide and Narva Trans, and most recently a statement 2-1 triumph over title challengers FCI Levadia. Earlier this season, the two sides had already met twice, with Kalju victorious on both occasions: 3-0 at home in April and 1-0 away in June.

This latest meeting began with Kalju controlling much of the possession, and in the 21st minute they made it count. Tarassenkov crossed from the left, and Kask rose between Bergman and Kaevats to head in the opener. Five minutes later the lead doubled, as Ivanov slipped a clever ball behind the defense and Männilaan reacted quickest to poke home for 2-0. Harju refused to fold, though. In the 31st minute, Rudenko surged forward and released Kriis down the left, his cross reaching Sillamaa, who volleyed into the bottom corner to pull one back. The hosts pressed hard until the break, but Kalju held a 2-1 advantage at halftime.

The second half saw the momentum shift. Harju emerged energized, and on 61 minutes they equalized in style. Awarded a free-kick just outside the box, Rudenko drilled a low shot into the corner, leaving Perk with no chance. With the score at 2-2, Kalju’s frustration grew, several players going into the referee’s book, while Harju began to believe a comeback was on. But the decisive moment came three minutes from time, when substitute Jabir split the defense with a perfect through ball. Patrikejevs showed composure and power, finishing past Baturins to restore Kalju’s lead. Harju pressed in added time, but the visitors held firm, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory.

The result pulls Kalju level on points with third-placed Paide Linnameeskond, though Paide remain ahead thanks to the head-to-head advantage. For Harju, a promising three-game winning run at home is broken, but the schedule leaves no time to dwell. In four days they welcome league leaders FC Flora Tallinn, while Kalju will next turn their focus to a fiery clash against Pärnu JK Vaprus.

Harju JK Laagri vs Nõmme Kalju – 2:3 (1:2)
Goals: Sillamaa 31′, Rudenko 61′ | Kask 21′, Männilaan 26′, Patrikejevs 87′

• Premium Liiga Matchday 25:
• 22.08.2025 – FCI Levadia vs Parnu JK Vaprus – 1:3
• 23.08.2025 – Tartu JK Tammeka vs Paide Linnameeskond – 0:1
• 23.08.2025 – JK Narva Trans vs JK Tallinna Kalev – 2:0
• 24.08.2025 – FC Kuressaare vs FC Flora – 1:2
• 24.09.2025 – Harju JK Laagri vs Nomme Kalju FC – 2:3