A five-goal thriller in the Finnish Kolmonen ended with SJK-j Apollo leaving Vaasa with all three points after a 3-2 victory over VPV Pallo-Veikot on Saturday 26 September 2026. In a match that swung back and forth from the opening whistle, the visitors from Seinäjoki produced the decisive moment late on to snatch a win that could prove valuable as the fourth-tier season moves towards its closing weeks.

Played under the evening lights in front of a lively local crowd, the contest was everything a neutral could have hoped for: early intensity, two lead changes, and a finish that kept both benches on edge until the final whistle. For VPV Pallo-Veikot, it was a night of frustration after twice putting themselves in front. For SJK-j Apollo, it was a statement road performance built on patience and a sharp edge in the final third.

Match overview

The home side started the brighter of the two teams, pressing high and forcing SJK-j Apollo into a series of hurried clearances. That early pressure paid off when VPV Pallo-Veikot opened the scoring, sending the home support into full voice and setting the tone for a frantic first half. The goal came from a well-worked move down the right, finished with composure inside the penalty area.

SJK-j Apollo responded in the manner of a side used to competing at the top end of the table. Rather than panicking, the visitors settled into possession, moved the ball quickly through midfield, and found an equaliser before the break. The goal shifted the momentum, and the half-time whistle arrived with the scoreline level and both managers aware that the game was still wide open.

How the goals unfolded

• VPV Pallo-Veikot open the scoring: A bright start from the hosts was rewarded when a low cross from the right was turned in at the near post, capping a spell of sustained pressure.
• SJK-j Apollo equalise: The visitors levelled with a composed finish after a quick passing sequence carved open the VPV defence, silencing the home crowd temporarily.
• VPV retake the lead: Early in the second half, the home side restored their advantage with a set-piece routine that caught the Apollo backline flat-footed.
• Apollo respond again: A well-timed run in behind was finished coolly to make it 2-2, and suddenly the game tilted back in the visitors' favour.
• The winner: With the match seemingly heading for a draw, SJK-j Apollo struck late, converting a half-chance inside the box to complete the comeback and seal a 3-2 away win.

Tactical story

VPV Pallo-Veikot set up with an energetic, front-foot approach, looking to win the ball high and attack quickly through the flanks. It worked well in the opening half-hour, but the home side's eagerness left space in behind, and SJK-j Apollo gradually learned to exploit it. The visitors' midfield began to dictate the tempo, switching play and drawing VPV's pressing players out of position before releasing runners into the channels.

The second half became a battle of game management. VPV Pallo-Veikot's second goal came from a set piece, an area where they had looked dangerous all evening, but their inability to hold the lead proved costly. SJK-j Apollo's substitutions added fresh legs in wide areas, and the visitors finished the stronger, pinning VPV back in the closing stages before finding the decisive goal.

Standout players

For SJK-j Apollo, the attacking trio caused problems throughout. The equaliser and the late winner were both taken with real quality, and the link-up play between midfield and attack was the difference on the night. The goalkeeper also made a crucial save at 2-2 to keep the visitors level before the winner arrived, a moment that proved just as important as any of the goals.

VPV Pallo-Veikot will take encouragement from their set-piece threat and the energy of their wide players, but the defensive lapses that allowed Apollo back into the game twice will be the focus of training in the week ahead. The hosts' leading scorer was again involved in the build-up play, and his movement consistently stretched the Apollo defence.

What the result means

The three points lift SJK-j Apollo's momentum in the Kolmonen table, strengthening their position in the upper half of the standings as the season approaches its decisive phase. Wins on the road against direct rivals are worth double in this division, and this one will be remembered as one of their best performances of the campaign.

For VPV Pallo-Veikot, the defeat is a setback in their push for a strong finish, but the performance showed enough attacking quality to suggest they can bounce back quickly. In a league where fine margins decide promotion races and relegation battles alike, conceding late goals is a habit the Vaasa side will