by Margus Luik * FC Levadia Tallinn's good form in the UEFA Cup has been overshadowed by an unexpected 4-2 defeat against Meistriliiga rivals JK Maag Tartu. Levadia overcome Cup shocks
The Estonian league leaders progressed past FC Haka and FC Twente to earn a UEFA Cup first-round tie against Newcastle United FC but their most recent game ended in a 4-2 defeat against Maag - the first time they had conceded four goals in the league since August 2003. Levadia coach Tarmo Rüütli did, however, opt to leave out no fewer than eight regular starters in accordance with his usual policy ahead of important UEFA Cup matches but on this occasion the approach backfired and brought an end to a run of 30 games unbeaten and 15 successive victories in the league.
The second round of the Estonian Cup also featured some surprises with three Meistriliiga clubs being knocked out. JK Tammeka Tartu lost 1-0 against JK Tulevik Viljandi's reserve side, who therefore progressed to the third round while their first team were eliminated by cup holders FC TVMK Tallinn. FC Flora, meanwhile, bowed out after a 1-0 defeat at home against Levadia in the most anticipated tie of the round. Konstantin Nahk scored the long-range winner just three minutes after coming on having also got the goal that defeated Twente in the UEFA Cup.
Lindpere suspended
Flora's Joel Lindpere was punished after the match for an incident involving the fourth official, earning a ban until 15 October from the Estonian Football Association. The club have also said that the 24-year-old midfielder will not play for them again, with president Aivar Pohlak saying: "There must be a limit somewhere and for Joel the limit was here. Football is an emotional game, but the emotions cannot justify this kind of behavior."
Voskoboinikov back
Meanwhile, Vladimir Voskoboinikov has returned to football with Levadia having been given permission to compete in the Meistriliiga and the UEFA Cup after a 15-month absence. The 23-year-old forward moved from Levadia to Belgian side FC Brussels in August 2004 and was then loaned to KAS Eupen. However, disputes between the Brussels side and the player subsequently emerged, with claims that Voskoboinikov's signature had been forged on his document. The matter is still under investigation but FIFA have forced the Belgian club to release the player.
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