FC FLORA TALLINN (A Le Coq Arena)

MEISTRILIIGA, FC FLORA TALLINN 1-0 TARTU JK TAMMEKA, ATTENDANCE: 253

Just mere weeks after season 2013/14 ended, my season 2014/15 began with a trip to the capital of Estonia, the beautiful medieval city of Tallinn (I wholeheartedly recommend anyone to visit here). 

The Meistriliiga runs through the summer, from March to November (hence my appearance today) and is one of the worst supported leagues of all the UEFA ranked countries, with an average league attendance of just over 200.

Today was a visit to the 9,692 capacity Lilleküla Stadium, which for sponsorship purposes is known as the A le Coq Arena, A le Coq being a famous brand of Estonian lager.

The official attendance this afternoon was 253, though Flora's current seasonal average is currently around the 700 mark due to a couple of recent big attendances versus Levadia and Nõmme.

The ground is a smart, typical new build out of town ground, with cover on three sides. It is a good 40 minute walk from the Tallinn old town. Beer is available in the stadium, A Le Coq obviously, but there is nothing around the ground.

As well as being home to the Estonian national side (England will play here on 12th October 2014) it is also home to Estonia's most successful club side, Flora Tallinn.

The club were formed in 1990 and were founder members of the Meistriliiga in 1992 (the year Estonia became independent). The club have played every season in the top flight and have won the championship 9 times and the Estonian cup 6 times. Ex-Derby County goalkeeper Mart Poom is a famous ex-player, indeed he made an appearance this afternoon in a legends five-a-side game.

Two of Flora's biggest fans got married today and arrived at the ground by 

bicycle taxi and were presented on the pitch before kick off. 

They also featured on the cover of the programme (see above)

The Flora ultras celebrate Sander Post's goal

Flora hit the top of the league in midweek with a 1-0 victory over local FC Nõmme and continued today with a win over Tartu JK Tammeka by the same scoreline.

The goal came after 13 minutes when a cross from the left hand side was back-heeled into the net by Sander Post. Although Flora were playing some good football, spreading the ball around nicely, they could not find that elusive second goal to kill off a stubborn Tartu side.

In the second half the visitors did threaten but Flora just about managed to hold on to their advantage.