Finland round-up: HJK remain on course

HJK Helsinki took another big step towards the Finnish championship when they recorded a 3-2 win against Tampere United FC.

Räsänen break deadlock
It was Tampere who took the lead after 13 minutes when Janne Räsänen headed neatly over András Vilnrotter in the HJK goal, ending the leaders' run of nine clean sheets. However, Toni Kallio's equalising penalty eight minutes from half-time proved to be the turning point, and Hannu Haarala put HJK ahead after the break. Top scorer Mika Kottila's powerful shot extended the advantage, Jari Niemi scoring a late penalty for Tampere.

Muurimäki hat-trick
FF Jaro overcame FC Lahti 4-1, a scoreline that looked unlikely after a goalless first half. Kalle Eerola put Lahti ahead not long after the break, but within half an hour Jaro striker Mikael Muurimäki had scored a hat-trick to secure victory for the home side. Captain Jimmy Wargh sealed a comfortable home victory with his late strike.

HJK on top
Second-placed Myllykosken Pallo-47 are aiming to reduce HJK's ten-point lead when they face FC Inter Turku on Monday evening.