Veikkausliiga week 15 - HJK thwarted, Inter blank

After a break for Midsummer, and the excitement of the draw for European competition, domestic football returned on Monday evening. A low scoring round, but important in the shape of the league table.

Honka 2-0 MYPA

Fresh from drawing Lech Poznan in the Europa League qualifiers, Honka moved back to joint top of the table, but they left it late against resolute MYPA.

Honka celebrate

A fortuitous goal from Tim Väyrynen after 77 minutes, and a 92nd minute strike from Kastriot Kastrarti, moved Honka level with HJK, and condemned MYPA to a second consecutive win, and a third game without a win.

Highlights of Honka 2-0 MYPA

Honka are now second, albeit level on points with HJK. They have 27 points from 15 games, and a goal difference of +3. MYPA are sixth, fourteen points from 20 games.

HJK 0-0 Jaro

HJK lost a chance to retain a clear lead at the top, thanks in part to an inspired performance from Jaro keeper Jesse Öst. The HJK players were astounded at how Öst kept them at bay, and frustated them. HJK's Nikolai Alho said after the game "Its not even physically possible to miss so many chances in 90 mins."

Öst thwarts Pohjanpalo

A number of brave, agile and sharp saves kept Jaro in the game - and while HJK will kick themselves, every so often a goalie has a game like that, and they'll have to live with it. But of greater concern, is that HJK only have eleven points from 8 home matches this year.

Highlights of HJK 0-0 Jaro

HJK are still top, only on goal difference. They have 27 points from fifteen games, a GD of +13. Jaro are seventh, with nineteen points from 14 matches.

Inter 0-2 IFK Mariehamn

Inter's struggle's continue - five games now without a goal. A stunning goal from Niko Kukka after thirteen minutes, was followed by another goal for top scorer Dever Orgill just before the break. Mariehamn's Patrick Byskata received a straight red card for hacking at Pim Bouwman with 15 minutes to go, but the game ended 0-2.

Highlights of Inter 0-2 IFK Mariehamn

FC Inter are tenth in the table, with seventeen points from fifteen games. Mariehamn are up to fourth, with 24 points from fifteen matches.

JJK 1-1 TPS

A point gained for JJK, two lost for a TPS side that could have gone a point from the top. A smart finish from Mikko Hyyrynen after thirteen minutes was equalised by a penalty from Jordi van Gelderen.

van Gelderen takes a tumble (photo via Marko Kauko)

Highlights of JJK 1-1 TPS

That result means JJK are now adrift at the bottom, with ten points from fourteen games. TPS are fifth, with 24 points from their 14 matches - although only three points behind HJK and Honka.

KuPS 0-1 Lahti

Lahti strung two wins in a row together for the first time since September - and sentenced KuPS to a depressing defeat. Brazilian striker Rafael scored on a Lahti counter-attack after 37 minutes, and it was the only goal of the game.

Rafael celebrates (photo via Vartaloharhautus)

Highlights of KuPS 0-1 Lahti

KuPS are eighth in the table, with eighteen points from fifteen matches. Lahti have twelve points from 14 games, and are eleventh - just five points behind Inter.

RoPS 0-0 VPS 

VPS missed a chance to go top after drawing a blank at RoPS, who extended their unbeaten home record to six matches.

Bundle! (Photo via Pekka Aho)

 

Highlights of RoPS 0-0 VPS

RoPS are ninth in the table, with seventeen points from fifteen games. VPS are third, 26 points from 14 games, only one point behind HJK and Honka.