RECAP: VPS 1 - 0 FC LAHTI Arch Bell - Sunday, August 2, 2009
Janni Lyyski's late heroics gave VPS a much needed victory over FC Lahti at Hietalahti Stadium in Vaasa.
Lawrence Smith started at forward for head coach Petri Vuorinen but would get substituted out at halftime for Pekka Kainu raising some eyebrows among the home faithful who are accustomed to seeing Smith go the full distance for the team.
Even though Lahti were working on just two days of rest, the visitors were the aggressor in the first half which included Jonne Kemppinen's near miss in the 44th minute.
The second half proved to be the opposite as VPS took control and started pressuring Lahti who proved to be noticeably tired after playing against Club Brugge in Europa League action on Thursday.
Despite the lack of rest, Lahti held firm for most of the match despite VPS' five shots on goal versus one for the visitors.
Vuorinen finally saw his club break through in the 85th minute when a solo effort through the Lahti defense gave VPS the goal and a well deserved victory.
The victory raises VPS to eighth with 23 points in the Veikausliiga standings as Smith and company hit the road in midweek action to face Jaro on Thursday.