TP-47

Ground: Puuluoto Tekonurmi

Visits: 1

Date: 27th July 2023

Match: Tornion Pallo-47 - Rovaniemen Palloseura 3-0 (Kakkonen, Lohko C)

Attendance: 792

The biggest game on my trip was the Lapland derby between Tornion Pallo-47 (TP-47) and Rovaniemen Palloseura (RoPS) in Kakkonen. Kakkonen is the 3rd tier in Finland and there are three different leagues at this level. TP-47 and RoPS are the two northernmost teams in the top three divisions in Finland and despite 130 km separating the two cities it is considered being derby. My day started in Luleå where I boarded a bus at noon. 2.5 hours later I was at Haparanda/Tornio bus station where Leif picked me up. Despite being in different time zones, Haparanda (Sweden) and Tornio (Finland) use the same bus station. The border (the mighty river Torne älv) is right next to the bus station. TP-47 used to play at Pohjan Stadion in central Tornio and this was to be our first stop in Finland. The ground is really nice and the (grass) pitch looks fine but apparently it is not the best. The idea is to replace the grass pitch with an artificial pitch but exactly when that will happen has not been decided yet. Anyway, after our groundspotting we headed towards a restaurant where we had something to eat and drink.

Since 2022 TP-47 are playing their home games at Puuluoto tekonurmi, more commonly used as a ski stadium. Puuluoto is situated 8 km from central Tornio and it is a bit sad TP-47 have to play this far from the city centre. The ground is quite basic with open stands but thankfully we had glorious weather this Thursday evening. Prior to kick-off I bumped into German groundhopper Christian from Munich who is touring Finland and northern Sweden for four weeks. In total almost 800 spectators were at Puuluoto Tekonurmi and we could watch on as TP-47 beat RoPS 3-0. RoPS are second in the table and are obviously looking for promotion but in that case they have to improve. I fully enjoyed my visit though and after the game Leif and I headed towards his house in Tärendö. The drive took around three hours and the crossing of the border/river at 22.30 was magical.