Finland round-up: HJK take the lead
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Article summary
With FC Haka out of action, HJK Helsinki were able to take advantage with a 3-2 win at FF Jaro.
Article body
Breaking away
With Haka's game against AC Allianssi postponed due to the latter club's European commitments, HJK were able to move a point clear of the pack thanks to a hard-earned victory in Pietarsaari.
Mäkelä's moment
Goals from Ridvan Zeneli and Mika Kottila put HJK into a strong position but the home side drew level with strikes from Jukka Suikki and Chris Cleaver, all within the first half-hour. So it was left to youngster Juho Mäkelä to steal the points with his first goal for HJK in the second half.
Cool Kuqi
Elsewhere, Tampere United moved into third place, between Haka and Allianssi, after a Noah Hickey effort secured a 1-0 success at Myllykosken Pallo-47. Bottom club FC Lahti drew 2-2 away to TPS Turku, where Njazi Kuqi's double strike for the visitors cancelled out goals from Juha Virkki and Wusu Babatunde.
Accounts opened
Top-flight newcomers FC KooTeePee, who are now second from bottom, lost 2-1 at home against FC Hämeenlinna, with Ernö Varga getting the deciding goal. Meanwhile, there were first seasonal victories for FC Inter Turku - 2-1 at FC Jazz, and KuPS Kuopio who prevailed by the same margin at FC Jokerit. The match between Allianssi and Haka was postponed because Allianssi are playing in the UEFA Intertoto Cup this weekend.