Another round of fixtures this midweek to take us almost up to the halfway point... Here's a brief summary of all six matches.
IFK Mariehamn 0-5 HJK
HJK's kit and equipment was late turning up - but the team started early and saw the benefits of an early goal.
It was Joel Pohjanpalo who opened the scoring - nodding in a cross from close range. Moren doubled the score four minutes later, following up after Enckelman saved a free kick. Rasmus Schüller scored a third midway through the second half, before Pohjanpalo slotted a fourth away with seven minutes left, before completing a perfect hat-trick (head, right foot, left foot) in the 87th minute.
It was Jolle's second Veikkausliiga hat-trick, his second against IFK Mariehamn, and his second perfect hat-trick. Note the theme. Bayer Leverkusen will do well to snap him up sooner rather than later, as this will only alert several other clubs.
It was Joel Pohjanpalo who opened the scoring - nodding in a cross from close range. Moren doubled the score four minutes later, following up after Enckelman saved a free kick. Rasmus Schüller scored a third midway through the second half, before Pohjanpalo slotted a fourth away with seven minutes left, before completing a perfect hat-trick (head, right foot, left foot) in the 87th minute.
Pohjanpalo was disappointed he didn't get to use the whole hand (photo via HJK.fi)
It was Jolle's second Veikkausliiga hat-trick, his second against IFK Mariehamn, and his second perfect hat-trick. Note the theme. Bayer Leverkusen will do well to snap him up sooner rather than later, as this will only alert several other clubs.
Highlights of IFK Mariehamn 0-5 HJK
HJK retain their lead at the top of the table, with thirty points from 16 games. IFK Mariehamn are fifth, with 24 points from 16 matches.
Lahti 1-0 Inter
Lahti took the field in white, dedicated one of their former identities FC Kuusysi. The change in colours (they wore Reipas orange & black against JJK) appears to have brought them good luck, and this was a third win in a row.
The game was settled early, courtesy of a coolly taken penalty by Brazilian striker Rafael. It was his third goal in as many games, and it won the points for his side. Inter also lost substitute Pim Bouwman to a red card late in the game.
Hertsi bears down on Inter keeper Koponen (photo via Elias Lahtinen)
The game was settled early, courtesy of a coolly taken penalty by Brazilian striker Rafael. It was his third goal in as many games, and it won the points for his side. Inter also lost substitute Pim Bouwman to a red card late in the game.
Highlights of Lahti 1-0 Inter
Lahti are still eleventh, but now have fifteen points from fifteen games, and are catching Inter. The visitors leave with seventeen points from 16 games, and have now failed to score in six league matches.
RoPS 0-1 Honka
Honka had to rely on another injury time winner to beat RoPS, but it kept them level at the top with HJK - and condemned RoPS to a first home defeat since the opening day.
A 95th minute winner from Jussi Vasara meant Honka's long journey to Espoo was three points heavier, albeit they lost Nnaemeka Anyamele to a red card. RoPS have now gone six games without a win, and are starting to look nervous.
Honka are second, level on points with HJK but with an inferior goal difference of ten goals. They have thirty points from sixteen games. RoPS are ninth, with seventeen points from sixteen games.
Kastrati battles for the ball (photo via Pekka Aho)
A 95th minute winner from Jussi Vasara meant Honka's long journey to Espoo was three points heavier, albeit they lost Nnaemeka Anyamele to a red card. RoPS have now gone six games without a win, and are starting to look nervous.
Highlights of RoPS 0-1 Honka
Honka are second, level on points with HJK but with an inferior goal difference of ten goals. They have thirty points from sixteen games. RoPS are ninth, with seventeen points from sixteen games.
VPS 1-0 JJK
Just like the famous Arsenal team of the 90s, VPS seem to be attempting to 1-0 their win to success... This was their fourth 1-0 win of the season, and they still only conceded nine goals. This goal was from Jarno Parikka after 23 minutes, chipping in after a sharp through ball.
Of long-term worry to VPS was the injury to midfielder Anthony Dafaa, who had to go off in the second half. Early indications are that it could be serious. For JJK, they still only have two wins this season, and are in danger of being left behind Lahti after their recent wins.
Of long-term worry to VPS was the injury to midfielder Anthony Dafaa, who had to go off in the second half. Early indications are that it could be serious. For JJK, they still only have two wins this season, and are in danger of being left behind Lahti after their recent wins.
Highlights of VPS 1-0 JJK
VPS are still third, and still a point behind HJK. They have 29 points from their fifteen games. JJK are twelth, with ten points from fifteen games.
Jaro 2-0 MYPA
Jaro's decent season returned to winning ways with an impressive win over a MYPA side who appear to be drifting away. They took the lead midway through the first half, Igor Jovanovic heading in from a free kick. Trinidad & Tobago striker Shahdon Winchester sealed the win with three minutes left (the goal wasn't on the highlights due to technical difficulties).
Highlights of Jaro 2-0 MYPA
Jaro move up to sixth place, with 22 points from fifteen games. MYPA are seventh, with 20 points from fifteen - they've lost their last three league games.
TPS 0-0 KuPS
Just like Jaro's Jesse Öst on Monday, an away goalkeeper was the hero here. KuPS stand-in keeper Joonas Pöntinen was the saviour, making a number of key saves to salvage a point for the visitors. KuPS were down to ten men after 30mins after Gambian defender Omar Colley was dismissed for a professional foul, bringing down Mikko Hyyrynen when through on goal - that was Colley's second red card of the season.
Highlights of TPS 0-0 KuPS
TPS lose ground on the leaders, they're in fourth place and have 25 points from 15 games. KuPS are eighth, with 19 points from 16 games.