Finland round-up: Alliansi may claim Intertoto spot

AC Allianssi are in with a chance of entering the 2003 UEFA Intertoto Cup as a 1-1 draw against Tampere United on the final day of the Finnish first division season left them in fourth place.

Superb volley
Visitors Allianssi took the lead in 69th minute through John Weckström's goal, but Tampere, who needed to win to claim fourth place for themsevles, levelled things with a superb volley from Noah Hickey. However, that proved to be the final goal of the match, giving Tampere their 15th draw of the season - a new league record, as they finish fifth.

Cup final wait
Allianssi must now wait to see if third-placed FC Haka beat FC Lahti in the Finnish Cup final. Victory would give Haka a UEFA Cup berth, and allow Allianssi to claim their place in the Intertoto Cup.

Kottila leading goalscorer
Champions HJK Helsinki and runners-up Myllykosken Pallo-47 played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Home side HJK finish six points clear of MyPa, and there was a double celebration for the title-winners' striker Mika Kottila, who claimed his 17th goal of the season to finish as the league's leading scorer.

‘A great bonus’
"The championship was of course the main thing," Kottila said. "For a striker it is important to score goals and of course I'm happy to finish at the top. This is a great bonus for the season."

Popovitch on target
FC Haka's Valeri Popovitch also scored in his team's 4-2 win against FF Jaro. Popovitch found the 16 times this season to take his all-time top-flight total to 121.

Lahti prepare
FC Inter Turku finally ended their 13-match run without victory by beating FC Lahti by 2-0. Lahti head coach Harri Kampman fielded a very young side and explained: "The cup final is still ahead. I didn't want to take any risks. We can't afford any injuries or suspensions before the cup final."