Finland round-up: Champions held by Haka
Wednesday, October 23, 2002
Article summary
A late equaliser stopped HJK Helsinki beating FC Haka four days after clinching their 20th league title.
Article body
Newly crowned Finnish champions HJK Helsinki were held 1-1 by FC Haka four days after clinching the league title for the 20th time.
Late equaliser
HJK's 1-0 victory against AC Allianssi on Saturday ensured that Myllykosken Pallo-47's title bid was ended, but although striker Mika Kottila moved to the head of the goalscoring table with 17 when he gave the champions the lead, Tommi Torkkeli levelled for third-placed Haka with five minutes left to end the title-winners' run of 12 victories in a row.
Runners-up win
MyPa fielded an experimental team against FF Jaro but the confirmed runners-up still managed a 1-0 win, Miikka Multaharju scoring the only goal in the first half.
Fourth place race
Allianssi stayed on course for fourth place with a 1-0 victory against FC Lahti, Pasi Solehmainen the man on target, but Tampere United overcame FC Inter Turku 2-0 away from home to keep up the pressure. Tampere host Allianssi on Saturday in the final round of fixtures, the home side needing a win to climb into the top four, and a likely UEFA Intertoto Cup place.
