Finland round-up: HJK crowned champions

HJK Helsinki have secured their 20th Veikkausliiga title two matches before the end of the season by beating AC Allianssi 1-0.

New record
Finland's leading scorer Mika Kottila was the hero for HJK on Saturday, firing home the only goal of the match from close range after 69 minutes. The victory was the club's 12th in succession, a new Veikkausliiga record.

Settled side
Head coach Keith Armstrong said the ability to name a settled side had been crucial after HJK escaped any serious injuries in the latter part of the season. "The key for the championship was our consistent form in the autumn," he said. "Our starting lineup was the same each match and that helped tremendously."
This title was the Englishman’s fourth after the three successive championships he won with FC Haka between 1998 and 2000.

MyPa second
Myllykosken Pallo-47 still had a mathematical chance to take the title until HJK’s win, but ran out 5-3 victors against FC Haka all the same. Indeed, the Anjalankoski club fought back from 2-0 down, striker Saku Puhakainen scoring a hat-trick to seal the runners-up place for his side.

'Proud of the team'
After three third-place finishes in a row for the club, head coach Juha Malinen was pleased with his side's efforts. "I'm proud of my team," he said. "They have played well and their medals were thoroughly deserved. HJK, however, were even better. Congratulations to Keith Armstrong and his team, they were the best this season."

Matches moved
The points were shared in the remaining two matches this weekend. On Saturday, Tampere United and FC Lahti drew 1-1 at the Ratina stadium, after the game was moved from the Tammela because Tampere's pitch was covered with ice. On Sunday, FF Jaro and FC Inter drew 1-1 at the Kupittaa stadium after their match was also relocated because Jaro's ground was unplayable.