Tartu JK Maag Tammeka B 2-1 Trans Narva B | Esiliiga B | 12 July 2026

Tartu JK Maag Tammeka B edged out Trans Narva B 2-1 in a hard-fought Esiliiga B contest that showcased the resilience of the home side. The match was decided in the first half as Tartu took a two-goal lead, but they had to survive a nervy second half after Narva pulled one back before the break.

Match Overview

The Tartu reserve team started brightly on home turf. Their youthful energy was evident as they pressed aggressively and moved the ball quickly. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when midfielder Siim Kevvai latched onto a through ball from the right and slotted past the onrushing Narva goalkeeper. Just eight minutes later, Tartu doubled their advantage. A quick corner routine found striker Henrik Madisso at the near post, who flicked the ball first-time into the net.

Trans Narva B refused to fold. They grew into the game as the first half progressed, and in the 38th minute, they halved the deficit. A long ball over the top caught out the Tartu defense, and forward Artjom Smirnov raced onto it, coolly rounding the goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net. The goal changed the complexion of the match, and Narva ended the half on top.

Key Moments

• 22' – Kevvai opens the scoring for Tartu with a composed finish.
• 30' – Madisso flicks home from a corner, 2-0.
• 38' – Smirnov capitalizes on a defensive lapse to make it 2-1.
• 65' – Tartu goalkeeper Martin Poom makes a crucial one-on-one save to preserve the lead.
• 82' – Narva have a goal disallowed for offside after a heated VAR check (no official VAR in Esiliiga B, but referee overruled linesman).

Tactical Story

Tartu employed a 4-3-3 and looked to play on the front foot. Their first two goals came from quick transitions and set pieces, areas they had clearly worked on. However, after taking the lead, they sat deeper, inviting pressure. Narva switched to a more direct 4-4-2 after halftime, bypassing midfield and targeting Tartu's young centre-backs. The tactic almost paid off, but Tartu's goalkeeper and some last-ditch defending held firm.

Standout Performers

Siim Kevvai (Tartu) was lively in midfield and scored the opener. Henrik Madisso (Tartu) was a constant aerial threat. For Narva, Artjom Smirnov was a handful up front, scoring a fine individual goal and causing problems all evening.

Table and Season Impact

The win moved Tartu JK Maag Tammeka B up to eighth place in the Esiliiga B table, three points clear of the relegation zone. Trans Narva B remained in 12th place, anchored to the bottom of the league with just two wins all season. For Narva's reserve side, the gap to safety now stands at six points, and their hopes of avoiding relegation are fading fast.