The match was Haka v HJK, bottom v top. Monday night saw the resumption of league football after the Suomen Cup final took pride of place. Haka had already beaten TPS at home this season, and were hoping to repeat the feat against the champions. Things were looking fantastic, as Haka took a two goal lead, through goals from Shane Robinson and Kris Bright, before controversy struck...
The ref didn't get the updated dress code
Now plenty of people have been quick to quote the rules stating that technically the goal was correct as the referee deemed that the throw-in nearer the halfway line was not interfering with play... But does that console the players, officials or fans of Haka? To be 2-0 up against the leaders, and to concede a goal like that is galling. The goal was credited to Juho Mäkelä, and to rub it in, Valtteri Moren then equalised eight minutes later. Some may say justice was done thanks to a late penalty miss by Akseli Pelvas, but it's no consolation, and the game finished 2-2. Not ideal for either, with Haka still bottom, and HJK only gaining a point.
The video has come to light in several guises, with this blog from Futisblogi Puoliaika (in Finnish) analysing the incident in fantastic detail. Much like the famous beach ball incident in the game between Sunderland and Liverpool, it has highlighted a little known rule of the game, and created huge debate. Is it for the better? Hard to say.
HJK's day took a greater turn with the match between in-form Lahti and title challengers TPS. Lahti had won 13 out of 15 points, elevating themselves into the top half of the table; while TPS had only lost one game in ten, albeit at home to HJK. In the end, a late goal from Drilon Shala won the game 1-0 for Lahti, who sit in fifth after the week's games. TPS meanwhile lie in third, two points behind HJK. Their manager Marc Rajamäki said that his team are just trying to collect as many points as they can, but there is still hope, and they still have the best goal difference.
Goalscorer Shala
The other contender was Inter, with what looked like a simple home game against Suomen Cup runners-up KuPS. Or so they thought... Inter's recent form was stinking the league out, with four consecutive draws costing them their lead, while KuPS have been unpredictable all season, interspersed with their European campaign. But it was the visitors who took the lead, Purje with a goal just before the break. Amazingly, KuPS went 2-0 up through Pietari Holopainen, before a consolation from leading goalscorer Irakli Sirbiladze (now on 16 for the season). Chris James sealed a shock result with two goals, KuPS winning 4-1. Inter now haven't won in over a month, while KuPS have opened a gap of seven points between them and bottom placed Haka.
Highlights of Inter 1-4 KuPS
Meanwhile, the cup winners (and fourth entrant to the 2013/14 Europa League) entertained MYPA on Thursday evening. Did the recent glory of a first ever Suomen Cup victory bring the crowds in from all over Espoo? Er, no. 604 people were in attendance, meaning the Tapiolan Urheilupuisto, capacity 5500, meaning only 11% of the stadium was occupied. Pretty poor form really, but also indicative of the fact that in league terms, the game meant very little. The match itself saw the home team take the lead in the first half, Antti Mäkijärvi's free kick flying over the MYPA keeper and into the top corner - one for the video scrapbook. Honka had plenty of chances to finish the match off, but a low drive from substitute Ville Saxman secured a point for MYPA. The result leaves Honka in 8th place, MYPA in 5th.
Highlight of Honka 1-1 MYPA
Jaro travelled to Vaasa having not lost in four matches, beating Honka most recently. But their good run was to come to an end against a Steven Morrissey-inspired VPS. The Jamaican bagged his 14th league goal of the season after 17 minutes, pouncing on a defensive mix-up. Morrissey then turned provider, playing a nice through ball for Robin Lod to score after more poor play in the Jaro defence. A last minute consolation from Frank Jonke could still be important for goal difference, with Jaro just one point ahead of Haka, and a GD advantage of three goals.
Highlights of VPS 2-1 Jaro
The other match of the week was in Jyväskylä, where JJK hosted an IFK Mariehamn team with dwindling title ambitions. JJK were looking for a first win in five, starting the match in ninth place; while Mariehamn were losing touch with the leading three teams, despite a recent run which almost took them back into contention. JJK scored twice in the first half, Markkanen and Innanen with the goals - but IFKM levelled through second half goals from Robin Östlind and Kangaskolkka with his 14th league goal. But the goal jolted JJK back into life, Eero Markkanen scored again in the 82nd minute to seal the win for JJK, and a ninth goal in 12 games.
After a controversial week, the league table remains unchanged. But two points cover the top three teams, and only ten points cover the top seven. At the bottom, KuPS now have a seven point gap, but Haka have narrowed the abyss to one point.
