Finland round-up: HJK hit top spot

HJK Helsinki moved to the top of the Finnish Veikkausliiga with a 1-0 win at FC Hämeenlinna today.

Tarlos winner
In a tight match, HJK held the upper hand during the first half with Hannu Haarala unlucky not to put the capital club in front. In the second half Mika Lehtosuo volleyed Markus Heikkinen's long ball past Hameenlinna keeper Istvan Tarlos after 71 minutes for the winner.

One point
Hämeenlinna tried to fight back but were forced to concede victory to HJK, who now take the top spot by one point over Myllykosken Pallo-47.

'More active'
Hämeenlinna are now eleventh, with seven points still up for grabs to earn a spot in the Veikkausliiga third round or face the relegation round. "I believe we earned our victory," said HJK coach Keith Armstrong. "We were more active on the pitch and we had good scoring opportunities."

Critics silenced
After a poor start to the season, HJK's recent good results and subsequent climb up the table has silenced many of Armstrong's critics.