Tammeka beat Harju to strengthen push for European places
Photo: Siim Jänes Tartu Tammeka continued their strong run in the Premium Liiga with a 2-0 away victory over Harju JK Laagri, moving ten points clear of their opponents and keeping themselves firmly in the race for a top-four finish.
Harju had started the better of the two sides in windy conditions at Laagri, controlling possession and spending much of the opening 20 minutes in Tammeka territory. Clear chances were harder to come by, however, and it was the visitors who struck first almost out of nowhere.
In the 23rd minute, Sambe made the decisive breakthrough down the left and delivered towards the far post, where Hydara arrived to turn the ball into the net and give Tammeka a 1-0 lead.
The goal changed the flow of the contest. Tammeka grew into the match and doubled their advantage ten minutes later when Harju defender Laur was penalised for a foul on Sambe inside the area. Thomas Lisboa took responsibility from the spot and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.
Harju responded with their best spell of the first half. Yann Emmanuel Assale, making his first Premium Liiga start for the club, forced Tammeka goalkeeper Kristen Lapa into a sharp reaction save with a header, before breaking through again shortly afterwards and seeing another effort denied.
At the other end, Tammeka came close to adding a third when Hydara released Kauan Pereira, but Harju goalkeeper Vainula produced an important save to keep the hosts in the contest.
Harju again started the second half on the front foot. Substitute Kelement sent a dangerous long-range effort narrowly wide before Laur headed just past the post from a long throw. The home side continued to apply pressure, with Eerme also going close from distance as Tammeka were forced to spend long periods defending.
Despite Harju’s dominance in possession, Tammeka remained dangerous whenever they broke forward. Sambe continued to cause problems from wide areas, while Silov also went close from the edge of the box.
The hosts eventually ran out of momentum, and Tammeka managed the closing stages comfortably enough to preserve both their lead and clean sheet.
The 2-0 victory moves Tammeka ten points ahead of Harju and keeps them firmly in contention for the European places. With games in hand on several teams above them, their next fixture could be particularly important as they prepare to host Paide Linnameeskond in Tartu on Wednesday.
Harju JK Laagri vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 0-2 (0-2)
Goals: Hydara 21′, Lisboa 34′ (Penalty kick)
Next Matches:
Harju JK Laagri (a) Pärnu JK Vaprus – September 9
Tartu JK Tammeka (h) Paide Linnameeskond – September 9
# 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
