Vimsi saw off Nõmme United II 4-1 at home on Sunday in the Esiliiga A, moving within reach of the league leaders. The result keeps the second-placed hosts on track for a top-two finish, while the visitors remain stuck in eighth. It was a comfortable afternoon for the home side, though it wasn't without its complications.
The first half played out evenly enough, with both teams testing each other. Then came the turning point in the 43rd minute when G. Kabal was shown a red card for Nõmme United II. By then, the visitors had already been second to everything in midfield. The numerical disadvantage changed the complexion of the game immediately.
The break brought an odd twist. O. Kais ended up scoring an own goal for Vimsi in the 54th minute, a moment that had everyone talking. To be fair, Nõmme United II responded well. N. Krimm pulled one back just five minutes later, keeping the visitors in it despite being down to ten men.
But the deficit proved too much to overcome. H. Gross restored Vimsi's advantage in the 72nd minute, and the home side never looked back. D. Ekharts added a second in the 89th minute, and a late goal in stoppage time sealed the victory. The hosts had nothing to lose by that stage, and they pushed forward with confidence.
The statistics told the same story. Vimsi controlled 61 per cent of possession and registered 20 shots on target compared to just two for the visitors. The away side managed only 69 attacks all game, while the home side kept up 134. It was a one-sided affair after that red card, and the difference in quality showed through.
The result leaves Vimsi with 47 points from 26 games, sitting comfortably in second place. Nõmme United II remain on 27 points, eight behind safety, and the loss does nothing for their hopes. They'll need a significant turnaround if they're to avoid trouble at the bottom.
