FC Nõmme United 4-2 Pärnu JK Vaprus: Põder brace powers late Premium Liiga surge

FC Nõmme United produced a decisive late burst to beat Pärnu JK Vaprus 4-2 in the Estonian Premium Liiga at Männiku Stadium on 24 October 2026, with Rasmus Põder scoring twice in a performance that underlined the home side’s attacking quality. The three points lift Nõmme United into the upper half of the standings and leave Vaprus with plenty to ponder after an energetic but ultimately costly display.

It was a match that swung repeatedly. Vaprus struck first through Martin Lõhmus, Nõmme United responded with two goals before half-time, and the visitors levelled again from the penalty spot early in the second period. The game appeared set for a tense finish until Põder’s second goal and a stoppage-time clincher from substitute Kenert Saar gave the hosts a deserved victory in front of an engaged home crowd.

Match overview

Nõmme United began with intent, pressing high and forcing Vaprus into several early clearances. Yet it was the visitors who opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Kristjan Sarap slipped a pass through the home defence and Lõhmus finished calmly past Marten Raudsepp. The goal gave Vaprus a platform to sit deeper and threaten on the counter, but Nõmme United’s response was swift and composed.

Põder headed in an equaliser from Aleksandr Volkov’s corner in the 28th minute, and Volkov then put the hosts ahead four minutes before half-time with a low drive from the edge of the box. Vaprus stayed in the contest and were rewarded in the 57th minute when Sarap converted a penalty after a handball appeal was upheld. At 2-2, the match opened up again, but Nõmme United found the stronger finish.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Martin Lõhmus gives Pärnu JK Vaprus the lead after a quick counter-attack finished by Kristjan Sarap’s through ball.
• 28th minute: Rasmus Põder heads home Aleksandr Volkov’s corner to bring FC Nõmme United level.
• 41st minute: Volkov scores from distance to send the hosts into half-time with a 2-1 advantage.
• 57th minute: Sarap converts a penalty to make it 2-2 and revive Vaprus’ hopes.
• 78th minute: Põder restores Nõmme United’s lead with a composed finish inside the area.
• 90+3rd minute: Substitute Kenert Saar seals the win on the break, finishing low past the Vaprus goalkeeper.

Tactical story

Nõmme United set up in a flexible 4-3-3 and used their full-backs aggressively, pinning Vaprus back for long spells. The home side’s pressing forced turnovers in midfield, and their set-piece delivery was a constant threat. Volkov was central to that approach, linking play between the lines and taking responsibility from dead balls.

Vaprus, by contrast, looked most dangerous when breaking quickly through Sarap and Lõhmus. Their 4-2-3-1 shape protected the central areas early on, but as the game wore on, the visitors struggled to maintain compactness. Nõmme United’s substitutions added fresh legs in the final 20 minutes, and the late goals came from exactly the kind of sustained pressure the home side had built throughout the second half.

Standout players

Põder was the obvious match-winner, with his two goals showing both aerial strength and composure in the box. Volkov dictated much of Nõmme United’s best play, while goalkeeper Raudsepp made an important low save at 2-2 to keep the hosts level before their late charge. For Vaprus, Sarap was influential with a goal and an assist, and Lõhmus took his early chance well.

What the result means

The win strengthens FC Nõmme United’s position in the Estonian Premium Liiga standings and gives them momentum for the closing weeks of the season. It also completes a satisfying league double over Pärnu JK Vaprus, a detail that will please the home supporters. For Vaprus, the defeat leaves them searching for consistency, particularly away from home, and they will need to tighten up defensively after conceding four times in a game they had twice levelled.

With the scoreline at 4-2, the match will be remembered for its rhythm and late drama. Nõmme United’s ability to answer every Vaprus setback proved decisive, and the home side’s late surge turned a competitive fixture into a convincing three-point haul.