Ekenäs IF Fotboll 0-1 JaPS | Finnish Ykkösliiga | 18 July 2026

JaPS secured a vital 1-0 away win against Ekenäs IF Fotboll at the Ekenäs Stadion, climbing into the top half of the Ykkösliiga table. The only goal of the game came in the first half, and the visitors defended resolutely to take all three points.

First‑half decider

The match began with both teams feeling each other out, but it was JaPS who struck first in the 29th minute. A quick throw‑in caught the Ekenäs defence out of position, and Samuel Oksanen squared the ball to Jussi Heikkinen, who slotted home from 12 yards. The goal lifted JaPS, and they nearly added a second minutes later when a header from a corner was cleared off the line.

Ekenäs IF Fotboll struggled to find their rhythm, with their usually sharp passing game disrupted by aggressive JaPS pressing. The hosts’ best chance of the half fell to striker Max Lindberg, but his volley flew just wide of the post.

Second‑half defence

JaPS dropped deeper after the interval, inviting Ekenäs pressure. The home side dominated possession but lacked incision in the final third. Midfielder Robin Sundström came closest to an equaliser when his powerful drive was tipped over the bar by JaPS goalkeeper Miika Jokinen in the 68th minute. JaPS weathered the storm and created a few counter‑attacking opportunities, though they could not double their lead.

Ekenäs threw men forward in the final ten minutes, but the JaPS backline, marshalled by centre‑back Antti Mäkelä, held firm to secure a clean sheet and three crucial points.

Ykkösliiga implications

The win moves JaPS up to 5th place with 23 points, while Ekenäs IF Fotboll remain in 9th, now three points above the relegation zone. JaPS will be pleased with their defensive solidity on the road, an area that had been a concern earlier in the season.

Man of the match

• Miika Jokinen (JaPS) – made several key saves, including a match‑turning stop in the second half.
• Jussi Heikkinen – scored the winner and led the line tirelessly.

Next up for JaPS is a home match against FC KTP, while Ekenäs travel to the league leaders SJK Akatemia.