Veikkausliiga week 20 - Inter extend their lead

Another round of games completed, and finally some daylight is opening up at the top of the table. Inter Turku have extended their lead at the top of the table to four points, after a routine victory away to Haka on Sunday afternoon. Late goals from Irakli Sirbiladze (his ninth of the season) and Solomon Duah sealed the points. Inter may benefit from their Europa League exit, with one less distraction to worry about, not that it was less painful at the time.

Sirbiladze in action at Haka

The four point lead was assisted by HJK's crazy 3-3 draw at home to VPS - the visitors were 1-0 up, then 3-1 before a late rally from the champions, recent signing Mika Väyrynen grabbing another goal . HJK made a few changes from the team that played Celtic in midweek, but dropping more points at home could mean that they will be involved in the Europa League next season. Celtic's forwards will have watched the highlights with pleasure.

Highlights of HJK 3-3 VPS

On Monday night, IFK Mariehamn had a chance to narrow the gap at the top to just two points with an away match at TPS. Two early goals were shared, Pistola opening the scoring for the hosts, Jani Lyyski's first goal of the year levelling, but he was to be sent off late in the game. IFKM have a chance to close the gap on Saturday with a home match against struggling Jaro, with TPS entertaining the leaders.

Speaking of Jaro, they hosted JJK on Sunday, hoping to pull themselves away from the bottom against their fellow strugglers. Unfortunately, JJK's recent good form continued with a routine 3-0 victory, featuring two goals from Nigerian Babatunde Wusu, now on ten goals for 2012. JJK are now up to eighth places, eight points from the bottom.

Highlights of FF Jaro 3-3 JJK

Bottom side KuPS, fresh from yet another European victory over Turkish side Bursaspor, were at home to Honka. The team from Kuopio again forgot how to translate their continental form to the domestic league, and conceded two goals early in the second half, and the win leaves them one point adrift at the bottom of the table. With a long visit to Turkey for Thursday, the visit to Vaasa to face VPS on Sunday takes on extra significance.

Highlights of KuPS 0-2 Honka

The weekend's other match was a mid-table clash between MYPA and Lahti. Pekka Sihvola put the hosts 2-0 up with his fifth and sixth goals of the season, before an own goal made it 3-0. An injury time consolation for Lahti made no difference, and means MYPA are seventh, Lahti ninth.