Maardu — Nõmme United II: 2:1, Esiliiga A

Maardu claimed a 2:1 victory over Nõmme United II in the Esiliiga A regular season round 27 on Saturday. The result keeps the hosts in fifth place while Nõmme United II remain ninth on the table.

Vladimir Malinin gave Maardu the lead in the thirty-fourth minute. The home side had been building pressure and finally broke through when Kouadio's defensive error found Malinin. To be fair, Nõmme United II had dominated possession up to that point.

Just seven minutes later, Emmanuel Kouadio equalised for the visitors. He struck from close range after a cross into the box. The game opened up and both teams looked willing to attack.

And here's the thing about the winner. An own goal from A. Volkov in the first minute of stoppage time sealed the three points for Maardu. The defender was caught flat-footed and the ball trickled past him.

The statistics tell an interesting story. Nõmme United II held 57 per cent possession and registered more attacks, but Maardu were more clinical with their chances. The hosts registered six shots on target compared to four for the visitors. By then, the red card for Maardu had not affected the outcome.

The win moves Maardu closer to the upper half while Nõmme United II's struggles continue. They have lost four of their last five matches, including this defeat against a side they could not contain when it mattered.