Saaremaa snatch derby victory at the death

A 96^th-minute penalty from FC Kuressaare striker Elari Valmas saw Saaremaa snatch a dramatic late win away to neighbours Hiuumaa on Friday. The visitors beat their rivals for the 3^rd game in a row and extended their good form to 1 loss in their last 6 matches.

Hero...Valmas hit the winner.

In glorious sunshine in front of 140 people a closely contested match saw its turning point at the death when Martti Puuk, the hosts best player, gave away a penalty. Puuk represents Saaremaa in the Island Games but plays for his home island in these matches, but he made the impact at the wrong end of the field late on.

Elari Valmas held his nerve to beat Kärdla LM goalkeeper Gustav Kotkas and win the game. The goal was the 24-year old's 3^rd for Saaremaa after he scored against both the Åland Islands and the Western Isles at the 2011 Island Games.

It’s likely both sides will play again next summer. Saaremaa haven’t entered the Island Games, to be held in Bermuda this July, for the 1^st time since 1999.

Match information - 

Score: Hiiumaa 0-1 Saaremaa

Goals: Elari Valmas 90+6 (P)

Hiiumaa: Kotkas; Johanson, Kelder, Kutser, Erk [Riik 46'[Laur 76']]; Lõppe, Kastein [Kaasik 46'], Lips [Tärnu 82'], Tähiste [Linkov 78']; Linkov, Pukk.

Saaremaa: Nurmik; Viira [Mai 57'], Rajaver [Mägi 72'] Kluge [Saar 62'], Jaanis Kriska; Rajaver, Luup, Seeman, Mere; Valmas, Laht [Mölder 68'].