With the final few weeks of the season remaining, an international break is an unwelcome distraction. Even with the calendar finally settling down to one (league) match a week, the risk of injuries from a long season could catch up. Luckily, the two key moments in a league season have now been resolved. JJK's relegation was confirmed on Wednesday after a 0-4 defeat to KuPS, while HJK secured their fifth consecutive title on Sunday.
HJK celebrate with a victory sauna...
The turning point in the title was was their 4-2 win over Honka in August, which sent the Espoo side into a tailspin, while HJK grew in stature and showed their experience when it counted. But there is still plenty to play for - the race for third is still on, with Europa League football the prize, and the current league structure means that teams finishing in the top half will get an extra home match next season. While rumours fly around that the league may be expanded to 14 or even 16 teams, it will be weeks or months before a decision is made.
HJK 3-0 RoPS
HJK's title was confirmed not by their win, but by more dropped points from Honka. But they wrapped things up in style. A goalless first half kept the 7110 paying customers waiting, but second half strikes from Forssell, Savage and Mannström delighted them all, aided again by the superb Erfan Zeneli. HJK's 26th title is sorted, while they'll receive their trophy and medals on the final day at home to KuPS. Meanwhile, RoPS's hopes of a second victory at the Sonera in a week were crushed, and they drop further down, with only relegated JJK keeping them safe.
Highlights of HJK 3-0 RoPS
HJK are confirmed as champions, with 67 points from 31 matches. RoPS are in eleventh place, with 34 points from 31 games (12 points ahead of relegated JJK).
Honka 2-4 KuPS
I tweeted earlier in the week that Honka had won their previous 18 games against KuPS in all competitions - perhaps I should jinx KuPS's opponents more often... The defeat cup finalists tore into a three-goal-lead, with goals from Hynynen, Hakola and Purje. Honka came close to a point after Tim Väyrynen and Vasara scored, but an injury time goal from Aleksi Paanenen secured the win, the title for HJK, and a third consecutive league win for Kuopio's finest. A sending off for Gideon Baah keeps him riding high at the top of the naughty boy chart.
Highlights of Honka 2-4 KuPS
Honka are confirmed in second place, with a silver medal. They have 55 points from 31 games. KuPS are now sixth, with 41 points from 31 games.
Lahti 5-1 IFK Mariehamn
English centre-back Darren Purse tweeted before the game of his wonder at the Lahden Stadion ski jumps... Perhaps he'll wished he'd taken up the other sport after a 30th minute red card, his second of the season, such was the Lahti domination here. Two goals from Ariel 'Tuco' Ngueukam and a hat-trick from Rafael saw Lahti's second five-goal haul in a row. A late consolation from Ribeiro meant little other than goal difference, and Lahti overtook their guests to make fourth place, and are surely the closest challenger to VPS for third.
Highlights of Lahti 5-1 IFK Mariehamn
Lahti are fourth, with 45 points from 31 games (GD -1). Mariehamn are fifth, with 45 points from 31 games (GD -8).
Inter 2-0 JJK
Last year's runner-up Inter have left it late to hit some form, albeit against the lower placed teams. Wednesday's win at RoPS is followed by another three points at home to Inter. Two late goals (75', 90') from former JJK man Tamas Gruborovics sealed the win, and may yet lead to a late run from Inter into the top half. JJK haven't won since their last meeting with Inter, back in July. A long, sorry run.
Highlights of Inter 2-0 JJK
Inter are ninth, with 37 points from 31 matches. JJK are in twelvth place, and are relegated. They have 22 points from 31 games.
MYPA 1-1 VPS
VPS dropped two valuable points in their pursuit of third, but still hold the advantage. MYPA's season has drifted to a stop, but with Antti Muurinen signing as coach for 2014 and several players extending their contracts, the future could look better. VPS took an early lead through Jordan Seabrook, but another Pekka Sihvola penalty earned MYPA a point. MYPA are currently second in the Fair Play rankings, but set to potentially earn the Europa League spot as HJK are top.
Highlights of MYPA 1-1 VPS
MYPA are in seventh place, with 41 points from 31 games. VPS are third, with 48 points from 31 games.
Jaro 0-3 TPS
Jaro's rotten form continues, this was their seventh league defeat in a row, and their now winless in 11. Surely it is too simplistic to point out that this run started when Hendrik Helmke left the club... Anyway, many people's tips for relegation are showing such form. TPS recorded only their third win in ten matches, goals from Wayne Brown, Mika Ääritalo and on-loan Manchester City youth Thomas Agyiri.
Highlights of Jaro 0-3 TPS
Jaro are tenth place, with 34 points from 31 games. TPS are eighth, with 40 points from 31 matches.
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