Sandels found a good defensive position north of Idensalmi (now Iisalmi) and decided to resist the Russian advance there.

On October 27 the cease-fire was to end at 1 PM, but Russians started their attack a little earlier, perhaps because of the time difference between Sweden and Russia.

Sandels pulled back the forces on the south side of the river and the Russians attacked over the partially demolished bridge.

The Swedes counter-attacked and literally pushed the Russian troops into the river.

The Russians pulled up fresh troops on the south side of the river, but did not try to attack again.