Finland round-up: Five-star Allianssi march on

AC Allianssi remained at the summit of the Finnish Veikkausliiga following a comfortable 5-2 home victory over KuPS Kuopio.

Solehmainen strike
The victory was Allianssi's fifth in six league matches this season and came courtesy of five different goalscorers. Risto Ojaselle opened the scoring on 32 minutes and Pasi Solehmainen doubled Allianssi's advantage three minutes later. Peter Sampo capped a remarkable seven-minute spell with a third, before Rudolf Matta reduced the deficit on the stroke of half-time.

Adriano on target
KuPS's Ilja Venäläisen then made it 3-2 four minutes into the second period as the visitors looked to claw their way back into the match. However, captain Rami Rantanen restored the hosts' two-goal advantage on 67 minutes and Adriano completed the rout three minutes from time.

'Happy and proud'
Allianssi coach Ari Tiittanen was delighted with the result, saying: "I'm very happy and proud. We have taken our chances and we scored great goals. We have played very well, especially in attack and now is a good time to have a few days off." The Veikkausliiga now has two-week break due the national side's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers against Serbia and Montenegro and Italy.

'More than satisfied'
FC Haka are a second in the table, a point adrift of Allianssi, following their 5-1 win against FC Lahti. Tommi Torkkeli opened the scoring after 12 minutes, before striker Sami Ristilä scored the next three goals to complete the first hat-trick in the Veikkausliiga this term. Lahti pulled a goal back through Tuomas Haapala, before Mika Nenonen added a fifth in the final minute. Haka head coach Olli Huttunen said: "I had counted on a minimum of 12 points after six rounds. We have now 15, so I am more than satisfied."

HJK run ends
TPS Turku moved into third place after a single-goal home victory over HJK Helsinki that ended their opponents' 19-match unbeaten run. Ville Harittu's 51st-minute effort was enough to seal the victory and leave HJK sixth in the 14-team table. Tampere United are up to fourth spot after sealing their fourth win in a row with a 1-0 away success against FC Jokerit. Kari Sainio struck after 33 minutes to claim maximum points for Ari Hjelm's side.

MyPa surrender lead
Myllykosken Pallo-47 surrendered a two-goal lead to only take a point from their match against FC Inter Turku, while FF Jaro celebrated their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory over visiting FC KooTeePee. In the weekend's other game, FC Jazz overcame FC Hämeenlinna thanks to goals from Hermanni Vuorinen and Piracaia.