Tabasalu saw off Pärnu JK Vaprus U21 6-0 in the Esiliiga B on Monday, a result that shifted the balance considerably in their favour. The hosts had already played 26 matches, sitting eighth with 29 points, while their visitors occupied sixth place with 40 points before kickoff. And here's the thing — this was not the kind of game you expect when the table shows such a gap.
The opening goal arrived in the 21st minute through J. Pold, setting the tone for what followed. K. Kutsar doubled the lead shortly after, striking in the 35th minute, then added a second of his own three minutes later. By then the visitors were chasing shadows, unable to find any foothold in the match.
R. Orm extended the advantage in the 42nd minute, and though the half ended with Pärnu still searching for a way back, the second half brought no respite. E. Keskula made it five in the 68th minute, and Kutsar completed his hat-trick in the 78th to seal the victory. To be fair, the visitors did not collapse without reason — they simply could not match the intensity.
Before this match Pärnu held a 11-point advantage over Tabasalu in the standings, with 12 wins, four draws and ten defeats against their hosts' nine wins, two draws and 15 losses. The result does not change anyone's position overnight, but it closes the gap and gives the home side something to build on.
Both sides had drawn their most recent matches — Tabasalu 2-2 with Jõhvi FC Phoenix, Pärnu 2-2 against Tulevik — so neither arrived with momentum. This time, however, the home side took control from the first whistle and did not let go. By then the scoreline told the whole story.