Nõmme United extended their notable late-season resurgence with an exciting 4-2 victory at home against Pärnu Vaprus at Sportland Arena, collecting another vital three points in the ongoing contest to steer clear of the Estonian Premium Liiga relegation play-offs. A two-goal performance by Õunapuu assisted the home team in overcoming an initial disadvantage prior to a pair of quick goals in the second half that secured their second straight win.
Coming off a decisive 3-0 victory against their local rivals Nõmme Kalju, United made only a single modification to their starting formation, with Õunapuu stepping in for Nikita Vassiljev. This marked the attacker’s initial start in the starting eleven since August 14.
On the other side, Vaprus had to cope without several usual starters, which included the suspended trio of Sander Kapper, Lipp, and Viidas. Meanwhile, team captain Magnus Villota made his comeback to the starting lineup, marking his first appearance since April following a prolonged period out due to injury.
Even though United managed the majority of possession during the opening moments, it was Vaprus who opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Pajo advanced the ball through the midfield area before providing a precise through ball to Limberg, who calmly finished a one-on-one chance with a low shot.
The home side reacted well and came close to tying the score when Järvelaid sent in a dangerous low cross that Õunapuu directed against the goalpost. United maintained their pressure, with Järvelaid proving particularly dangerous along the left wing. A free-kick sent from the flank produced another scoring opportunity for Palts, but Vaprus goalkeeper Nõmm made a crucial save.
The tying goal finally came in the 33rd minute. Frolov delivered a low ball into the box, where Õunapuu had his initial attempt blocked by Nõmm before reacting the fastest to put the rebound into the back of the net.
United ought to have grabbed the lead before the break when another free-kick from Järvelaid created chaos inside the visiting team’s penalty area. Õunapuu’s header was stopped, but the loose ball dropped to Geiger only two meters away from the goal. Incredibly, he missed the target, keeping the score level at halftime.
The beginning of the second half was delayed by roughly 15 minutes because of a medical emergency involving United player Ricky Chanda. The midfielder was substituted by Alteberg, and an ambulance was called to the location.
When the match resumed, both squads kept looking for a breakthrough, but United eventually broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. Following a corner kick by Järvelaid, the ball was initially cleared before Läänelaid played it back into the penalty box. A deflection off Limberg directed the ball toward Geiger, who scored with a shot that hit the post before crossing the goal line.
Nevertheless, Vaprus refused to give up and equalized brilliantly in the 67th minute. Pajo stepped up to take a free kick and curled a superb strike into the far top corner, making it 2-2.
The visitors’ celebrations lasted only a brief moment. Merely one minute later, Järvelaid provided another great pass into the penalty area, where Õunapuu controlled the ball and slotted a steady shot into the far bottom corner to give United the lead once more.
The hosts increased their advantage further in the 72nd minute. Järvelaid once again delivered the decisive pass from the left flank, locating Adyn Torres, who charged into the penalty box and scored with a first-time shot to bring the score to 4-2.
Vaprus tried to mount a comeback, but United maintained command throughout the final moments and successfully defended their two-goal margin.
This outcome leaves the contest for the relegation play-offs tightly contested as the season reaches its final weeks. Vaprus stay on 36 points, Kuressaare hold 35, and Nõmme United now trail Vaprus by just two points with a total of 34.
The final score for Nõmme United against Pärnu Vaprus was 4-2, with a halftime score of 1-1. The goals were scored by Õunapuu in the 33rd and 68th minutes, Geiger in the 59th minute, and Torres in the 72nd minute for the home side, while Limberg in the 7th minute and Pajo in the 67th minute scored for the visitors.
SOURCE NAME: balticfootballnews.com
ORIGINAL HEADLINE: Nõmme United beat Vaprus in a high-scoring game to intensify relegation play-off battle
Source: balticfootballnews.com
