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United Pietarsaari take big step towards securing second spot
PIETARSAARI, Oct 4 (SW) – United Pietarsaari have taken a big step towards securing the second spot in the Finnish league after winning 1-0 against main rival HJK Helsinki. If the women in purple win against mid table Aland United and TiPS they will have the second spot.
It was an even game in Pietarsaari, both teams worked hard to score a goal. In the first half of the physical battle United was somewhat better, in the second half it was HJK that pressed more and got some half changes. But goalkeeper Minna Meriluoto (United Pietarsaari) stood tall and saved much, as well a strong defence helped.
The winning goal came five minutes before the end of the game. It was Katri Nokso-Koivisto that headed through before Johanna Ekholm headed in from six metres. With the 1-0 win United virtually went past HJK in the Finnish table.
Trainer Carl-August Löf talked to Soccerway and stated that a second place would satisfy him. “We could have won the gold with our group of players, but in midseason we missed our Nigerian stars Rita Chikwelu and Cynthia Uwak through the U20 World Cup in Russia and Irina Vaelma was injured. All in all a second place would be nice”.
A disappointed HJK player Leena Puranen stated to Soccerway that it was one of the worst games of the season for HJK, all players were under their normal level. “We had maybe two changes, but that was it. I don’t know why it does not work this year. We have a good team, good players, but we don’t fight enough. It is between our ears this year.”
<b> United Pietarsaari – HJK Helsinki 1-0 (0-0) </b>
Attendance: 358
Goal: 85. Johanna Ekholm 1-0
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