Valkeakoski’s Haka will play lower down in the league next season in the First League.
Hakan Eetu Mömmö (left) and KTP’s Matias Paavola fought for the ball in a corner kick situation. JUHA TAMMINEN / AOP
The qualifying series of the Veikkausliiga ended on Saturday.
It had been clear for a long time that the direct relegation would be chosen between Haka and KTP. The series program supported the cause by drawing teams against each other in the last round.
Going into it, KTP was one point ahead of Haka, so even a draw on Tehtaa’s field would have been enough for them.
However, the Kotka team did better with a 2–1 away win.
The beginning of the second period looked good for the people of Pirkan, because Jordan Houston gave the hosts the lead with his superb back corner kick in the 51st minute.
A home win would have taken Haka out of league status with another historic club, TPS.
However, now that task has been transferred to KTP, because first the club’s super acquisition Petteri Forsell the 1-1 equalizer was directed by the goalkeeper by Liam Hughes over in the 60th minute.
Even that was not enough for KTP. After the equalizer, the yellow shirts rolled their attacks on the Haka goal, and the substitute Luca Weckström fired a great shot from 20 meters into the top corner.
Weckström had a 50-meter sprint with the ball behind him, but he still managed to score the most spectacular hit of the KTP season.
No more goals were seen. Haka falls as a Veikkausliiga jumbo down the league ladder and KTP’s season continues with a nerve-wracking qualifier with TPS.