2007.09.02 – League Match – Viking - Lillestrøm sk 1 - 1

The two teams shared the points in a tight and exiting match between the two top4-teams. After holding the lead in much of a match where both teams had the pressure in different parts of the match, - Lillestrøm was most happy with the draw.

The last quarter of the first half was partly dominated by the guests, and a good Thomas Myhre (doing his first home match for Viking in the new Viking stadium) could only look at the ball going into the net after LSK's B.H.Riise (brother of Liverpools J.A.Riise) ended up quite alone with the ball inside the penalty box. In the situation just before this, - Vikings Hannes Sigurdsson was clearly cut down illegally in Lillestrøms half, - but the referee strangely kept the whistle in his pocket, clearly meaning this was to an advantage for Viking. The ball was then directly cleared out by LSK goolie O.Fredriksson, over the Vikings defence and an unlucky Ragnvald Soma, and ending in control of B.H.Riise. Both Uwe Rösler and the Viking players, as well as 15 000 of the audience gave their opinion loudly to ref. Terje Hauge to no result.

For the rest of 1.half Lillestrøm kept the control on the pitch, denying Viking any more good chances before halftime.

As soon as the referee gave the signal for halftime Vikings Uwe Rösler went straight on to the pitch to give ref. Terje Hauge his honest opinion about the refereeing and in special the decition leading to Lillestrøm to scoring their goal. After a little and well put argumentation they both agreed to not agree, - and for Uwe Rölsler to not say any more unless he wanted to see the rest on the match form the stands, - instead of the managers bench.

After switching sides for the 2nd half Viking played like a different team, making a much better performance attacking the goal again and again, - this time against the goal on the eastern side of the stadium (where the VikingHordene-supporters club have their stand behind the goal).

Especially Alexander Ødegaard (who came in for Jone Samuelsen after halftime) did a great job getting around on the side to pass in the ball in direction of Peter Ijeh and Hannes Sigurdsson. Unfortunately neither of them got the ball in the net this match. But Viking kept the pressure up basically during all of 2nd half, - producing lots of opportunities and finally in the 74th minute, Alexander Ødegaard send in the ball yet another time from his left side, this time in perfect position for Allan Gaarde to easily put his head to the ball and behind O.Fredriksson in Lillestøms goal. And what a deserved goal it was...

Now Viking was lifted up by the enthusiastic home audience, - making it to almost a one-team run against the one goal for the rest of the match, - only parted by the Lillestrøm players doing their best to spend as much time as possible on every occasion they could, dragging out time at every throw-in, 5 meter shot-outs and freekicks. As well as making free-kicks almost every 2nd or 3rd minute, - and using lots of time unnecessary to place and replace its players less than 9 meters from the ball. This tactics of using to much time on every occasion had been to fully use during most of the match, and was now taken to the extreme, - and was rewarded as Viking never got their 2nd goal between the posts in the last 20 minutes of the match, even after big chances form Hannes Sigurdsson, Peter Ijeh and Ragnvald Soma.

It wasn't until 3 minutes passed full-time Frode Kippe make his 2nd yellow card for the match, and was sent of the pitch, leaving Viking only 2 small minutes to play 11 against 10, witch did not result in any real big chances this last bit of the match.


Match Facts
Viking FK - Lillestrøm SK 1-1 (0-1)
Goals: 0-1 Bjørn Helge Riise (33), 1-1 Allan Gaarde (74)
Yellow Cards: Allan Gaarde (Viking), Frode Kippe, Anders Rambekk (LSK)
Red Card: Frode Kippe (two yellow)
Attendance: 15 825
Referee: Terje Hauge


Viking (4-4-2): T. Myhre - R. Klingbeil, R. Soma, B. Steenslid, T. Pereira - A. Danielsen, N. Stokholm, J. Samuelsen, A. Gaarde - P. Ijeh , H. Sigurdsson

Lillestrøm ("4-3-3"): O. Fredriksson - A. Rambekk, F. Kippe, P. Andresen, S. Stefanutto - E. Søgård, K. Mouelhi, S. Brenne - B.H. Riise, A. Sundgot, O. Occean

League Table (after 19 matches)
1.Brann, 39 pts (GD 37-30)
2.Lillestrøm, 36 pts (37-14)
3.Stabæk, 33 pts (28-26)
4.Viking, 32 pts (34-29)
5.Rosenborg, 29 pts (37-27)
6.Fredrikstad, 29 pts (29-25)
7.Lyn, 25 pts (29-31)
8.Tromsø, 24 pts (30-33)
9.Vålerenga, 24 pts (20-23)
10.Aalesund, 24 pts (29-39)
11.Strømsgodset, 22 pts (22-31)
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12.Odd Grenland, 18 pts (24-26)
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13.Start, 16 pts (23-32)
14.Sandefjord, 15 pts (23-36)

FULL League-Table

All Matches for Round 19 - 2007
01.09.2007	Strømsgodset-Rosenborg	1-1
02.09.2007	Vålerenga-Start	3-2
02.09.2007	Brann-Sandefjord	1-0
02.09.2007	Aalesund-Lyn	3-1
02.09.2007	Tromsø-Odd Grenland	2-4
02.09.2007	Viking-Lillestrøm	1-1
03.09.2007	Stabæk-Fredrikstad	0-2

Norwegian League after 19/26 rounds

						Home					Away
Team	M	W	d	L	Goals	M	W	d	L	Goals	M	W	d	L	Goals	Goal.Diff	Points
Brann	19	12	3	4	37-30	10	8	2	0	25-11	9	4	1	4	12-19	7	39
Lillestrøm	19	10	6	3	37-14	9	6	2	1	22-5	10	4	4	2	15-9	23	36
Stabæk	19	9	6	4	28-26	10	5	3	2	15-13	9	4	3	2	13-13	2	33
Viking	19	9	5	5	34-29	9	5	4	0	18-9	10	4	1	5	16-20	5	32
Rosenborg	19	8	5	6	37-27	10	6	3	1	25-12	9	2	2	5	12-15	10	29
Fredrikstad	19	7	8	4	29-25	9	6	2	1	15-6	10	1	6	3	14-19	4	29
Lyn	19	7	4	8	29-31	9	6	2	1	19-9	10	1	2	7	10-22	-2	25
Tromsø	19	7	3	9	30-33	9	5	1	3	14-12	10	2	2	6	16-21	-3	24
Vålerenga	19	6	6	7	20-23	10	4	5	1	14-10	9	2	1	6	6-13	-3	24
Aalesund	19	7	3	9	29-39	9	4	1	4	17-19	10	3	2	5	12-20	-10	24
Strømsgodset	19	6	4	9	22-31	10	2	3	5	12-19	9	4	1	4	10-12	-9	22
Odd Grenland	19	5	3	11	24-26	9	3	0	6	11-10	10	2	3	5	13-16	-2	18
Start	19	3	7	9	23-32	10	2	4	4	12-13	9	1	3	5	11-19	-9	16
Sandefjord	19	4	3	12	23-36	10	4	1	5	19-16	9	0	2	7	4-20	-13	15

Round 19 - 2007
01.09.2007	Strømsgodset-Rosenborg	1-1
02.09.2007	Vålerenga-Start	3-2
02.09.2007	Brann-Sandefjord	1-0
02.09.2007	Aalesund-Lyn	3-1
02.09.2007	Tromsø-Odd Grenland	2-4
02.09.2007	Viking-Lillestrøm	1-1
03.09.2007	Stabæk-Fredrikstad	0-2

Fixtures for League matches and FA-Cup in 2007 season

Matches for the Norwegian Premier League (Tippeligaen):

Date		Fixture	Result	Stadium....................	Match.Report
09.04.2007		Viking - Rosenborg	1-1	Viking Stadion	Home draw
15.04.2007		Start - Viking	1-1	Sør Arena	Away draw
22.04.2007		Viking - Sandefjord	0-0	Viking Stadion	Home draw
29.04.2007		Fredrikstad - Viking	2-0	Fredrikstad Stadion	Away Loss
06.05.2007		Viking - Odd Grenland	2-1	Viking Stadion	Home Win
13.05.2007		Lillestrøm - Viking	4-1	Åråsen	Away Loss
16.05.2007		Viking - Lyn	4-2	Viking Stadion	Home Win
28.05.2007		Aalesund - Viking	0-2	Color Line Stadion	Away Win
09.06.2007		Strømsgodset - Viking	1-2	Marienlyst	Away Win
17.06.2007		Viking - Tromsø	3-1	Viking Stadion	Home Win
20.06.2007		Stabæk - Viking	2-1	Nadderud Stadion	Away Loss
24.06.2007		Viking - Brann	3-1	Viking Stadion	Home Win
30.06.2007		Vålerenga - Viking	1-3	Ullevaal	Away Win
22.07.2007		Rosenborg - Viking	4-2	Lerkendal	Away Loss
29.07.2007		Viking - Start	2-0	Viking Stadion	Home Win
05.08.2007		Sandefjord - Viking	4-1	Storstadion	Away Loss
12.08.2007		Viking - Fredrikstad	2-2	Viking Stadion	Home draw
26.08.2007		Odd Grenland - Viking	1-3	Odd Stadion	Away Win
02.09.2007		Viking - Lillestrøm	1-1	Viking Stadion	Home draw
16.09.2007		Lyn - Viking	-	Ullevaal
22.09.2007		Viking - Aalesund	-	Viking Stadion
29.09.2007		Viking - Strømsgodset	-	Viking Stadion
07.10.2007		Tromsø - Viking	-	Alfheim
21.10.2007		Viking - Stabæk	-	Viking Stadion
28.10.2007		Brann - Viking	-	Brann Stadion
03.11.2007		Viking - Vålerenga	-	Viking Stadion

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matches for the Norwegian FA-Cup:

Date		...Round...	Fixtures...................	Result	..Stadium.............	Match.Rep.
18.08.2007		Q-final	Odd Grenland - Viking	2-1	Skagerak Arena	Away Loss
29.07.2007		4th.round	Viking - Brann	2-0	Viking Stadion	Home Win
27.06.2007		3rd.round	Drøbak/Frogn - Viking	0-2	Seiersten Stadion	Away Win
13.06.2007		2nd.round	Randaberg - Viking	0-6	Randaberg Stadion	Away Win
20.05.2007		1st.round	Egersund - Viking	0-6	Idrettsparken	Away Win

Is Randaberg next stop for Svenning?

Viking full back Øyvind Svenning is on the verge of signing for local side Randaberg IL.

The third division side are aiming high and are hoping to make the first division within three seasons. Svenning would be the second high profile signing Randaberg have made this season after former Viking favourite Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim signed from IK Start last month.

Yesterday afternoon the clubs had not reached an agreement, but Randabergs Sporting Director, Arvid Løkke is confident that a transfer will be agreed within the next 24 hours saying, "Its look promising. The deal is close to being finalised. It could take half-an-hour or it might have to wait until Tuesday."

Øyvind Svenning spent the weekend in Trøndelag, his home county, but will arrive in Stavanger today to discuss personal terms.

Øyvind Svenning player profile, Offical Viking FK Website(Norwegian)

Berg set for Randers

Søren Berg has agreed terms with Danish Superliga team Randers FC. The 31-year-old will return to Denmark at the end of the 2007-season and has signed a three-year deal with the club.

The Danish forward, who will be a Randers player from 1st January 2008, said: "They (Randers) look like an exciting club, and looking at their progress in the previous two seasons, you can see that they mean business. The fact that Colin Todd is the manager at the club too had a big influence on my decision."

Berg joined the dark blues last summer after six years with Danish club Odense BK. He has so far played 43 matches and scored 7 goals for the Stavanger team and has made two international appearances for Denmark.

Viking sporting-director Egil Østenstad is sad to see the player go saying "Søren is a good and important player for us and will continue to be for the rest of the season. That we have decided to let him go at the end of the season, is down to Sørens own wishes, and we have come to an agreement that makes both Søren and Viking happy."

Berg will be remembered for scoring the first ever goal at the Sør-Arena in Kristiansand, but he still has half-a-season to be remembered for more.

Søren Berg player profile, Offical Viking Website (Norwegian)

Goalkeeper Asper sold to Brommapojkarna

Viking fk and Swedish club Brommapojkarna have agreed on a transfer for Viking goalkeeper Mattias Asper. The former Real Sociedad, Besiktas and Malmö player has 3 international matches for Sweden so far, and has made 11 appearances since his arrival from Malmö last summer.

As a result of Vikings local youngster Iven Austbø taking the role as first choice goalie this season, Mattias Asper has only played for the reserves (Viking 2) in the Norwegian Second Divison , and with the arrival of Norwegian national goalkeeper and Vikings former hero Thomas Myhre, the 34-year-old Swedish goalie sees his chances limited of playing for Viking in the near future.

The contract with Brommapojkarna ties Mattias Asper to his new club until the end of 2008, and he will have to compeat with their current goalie Kristoffer Björklund for the spot between the posts.

Brommapojkarna are currently lying at the bottom of the Swedish premier league "Allsvenskan" *link*

Statistics for Mattias Asper (in Norwegian)

2007.06.30 -- League match -- Vålerenga IF - Viking fk - 1-3

Vålerenga IF - Viking fk 1-3 (1-1)

Goals:
1-0 Børre Steenslid (24)
1-1 Allan Gaarde (44)
1-2 Gaarde (74)
1-3 Peter Ijeh (88).

2007.06.27 – Norwegian Cup 3rd Round – Drøbak/Frogn - Viking – 0-2

With a 2-0 victory over Drøbak/Frogn, Viking progress to the fourth round of the Norwegian cup and are yet to concede a goal in this years competition.

It may have seemed like a comfortable vicory for the visitors from Stavanger, but the hosts were the better side for parts of the match and were unlucky not to get more from the match.

The first goal came after 24 minutes when Razak Pimpong connected with an Andre Danielsen cross and the Ghanaian International slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Both teams came close to adding to the scoresheet and it was difficult to see which team was the better. Viking struggled to create chances, whilst a good Iven Austbø in the dark blues goal kept the 2nd Division side at bay.

Then with 20 minuets remaining Alexander Ødegaard went clean though and after squandering the first chance, the 26-year-old slotted home the rebound to give the Stavanger-side a two-goal-lead.

The home side tried to get back into the match, but Austbø was once again in great form and kept the dark blues 100% clean sheet record intact.

Viking now meet west coast rivals Brann at home in the next round. The teams met in the league last week and the Stavanger-team ran out 3-1 winners. The match is scheduled for Wednesday 25th July.

Match Facts
Drøbak/Frogn - Viking 0-2 (0-1)
Goals: 0-1 Razak Pimpong (24), 0-2 Alexander Ødegaard (70)
Yellow Cards: Razak Pimpong, Andre Danielsen, Ragnvald Soma (Viking)
Attendance: 1 136

Viking (4-3-3) - Iven Austbø - Jørgen Tengesdal (Maurice Ross 46), Børre Steenslid, Ragnvald Soma, Thomas Pereira - Andre Danielsen, Nicolai Stokholm, Jone Samuelsen (Søren Berg 68) - Razak Pimpong (Allan Gaarde 55), Hannes Sigurdsson, Alexander Ødegaard
_________________________

Vidar Nisja signs for Viking

Viking fk have signed Brynes Vidar Nisja on a 3-year contract, starting January 1st 2008.

The 20 year old midfielder, has already played over 100 matches for local 1st division club Bryne fk. He has mostly played in a rightside midfield position. However, he can also be used as a central midfielder, and at right back. Nisja was born in Vigrestad, just outside Bryne, and grew up as a Viking supporter. He used to play regulary for Norway U19s, and has also recently been playing for the national U21.

Vidar Nisjas current contract with Bryne doesn't expire until the end of the season, but under the "Bosman-rule" Nisja was allowed to negotiate with Viking six months before the end of his contract.

The clubs are talking about a possible transfer this summer, as Bryne might not want to select a player without a future at the club, whilst Viking want to get him into the dark blue way of life asap. If the current deal stands, the Stavanger team will only pay a small amount in compensation (due to the player being a youngster.)

Vidar Nisjas current profile (link from Bryne fk's official website (Norwegian))

We welcome Vidar Nisja to Vikng fk, and look forward to seeing him in the dark blue jersey.

Norwegian Premier League Table 2007

(after round 2007-12)

*click on image to make bigger...

2007.06.24 - League Match - Viking fk - sk Brann - 3 - 1

Viking - Brann 3 - 1 (1 - 0)

1-0 Ijeh ('43)

2-0 Gaarde ('57)
2-1 Andresen ('79) penalty
3-1 Berg ('86)

fully deserved, Brann came as league leaders, but didnt go home in same style....

Viking fk after two local established talents

Viking fk are looking to strengthen their squad and have offered localboy Vidar Nisja a 3 year long contract.

The 20 year old midfielder, has already played over 100 matches for local rivals Bryne fk, and he has mostly played in a rightside midfield position. However, he can also be used as a central midfielder, and at right back. Nisja was born in Vigrestad, and grew up as a Viking supporter. He has played regulary for Norway U19s, and has also recently been playing for the U21.

His current contract with Bryne fk expires at the end of the season. Nisja has decided to enter into negotiations with Viking fk, but a possible complication for Viking can be the sudden change of managers at Bryne fk, which could lead to Nisja changing his mind.

- - - Vidar Nisjas current profile (link from Bryne fk's official website (Norwegian))

Viking have also shown intrest in Fredrikstad's 23 years old left back Trond Erik Bertelsen. Bertelsen is a local player born in Lura (just about 5 km south of the current Viking stadium), and went to Fredrikstad from fk Haugesund ahead of the 2005 season. Viking were already the club he wanted to play for, but he decided to sign for Fredrikstad, as Vking already had a good Thomas Pereira at left back. Bertelsen was a regualar for the U21 national team, and he has already made 3 full international apperances for Norway.

Trond Erik Bertelsen was injured in August 2006, and he had an operation in January 2007. He has yet to play a match since his injury, but is now in training again after his operation. Viking fk has contacted Fredrikstad about their intrest in Trond Erik Bertelsen, but as his current contract ties him to Fredrikstad for another 2 years.

- - - Trond Erik Bertelsens current profile (link from Fredrikstad fk's official website (Norwegian))


Lets hope them both will play for Viking fk and the Norwegian National team in the future... :-)

2007.06.20 – League Match – Stabæk - Viking – 2-1

Vikings winning streak ended in Bærum on Wednesday, whilst Stabæk recorded their tenth win without defeat, which is a new club record.

The first half was dominated by the hosts and it was only a good Iven Austbø and Ragnvald Soma that kept the visitors from Stavanger in the match. Peter Ijeh had Vikings only chance in the first 45 minutes, but he sent the ball sailing over the crossbar.

Two minutes after the break Stabæks Daniel Nannskog suddenly found himself with only the keeper to beat and from the 16-yard box, the Swedish-striker sent a low shot into the back of the net.

The dark blues were starting to get frustrated and the hosts Alanzinho felt the irritation from Vikings players and was tackled badly over and over again, resulting in yellow cards to numerous players. The Stavanger-team just couldn't settle and were struggling to create anything.

With 2o minutes to go Viking started to find their feet. Hannes Sigurdsson made a nice turn on the ball, but his shot was wonderfully saved by the hosts goalkeeper Jon Knudsen.

Not long after, Stabæk counter-attacked with Vegar Pall Gunnarsson. The Icelandic-forward went past two defenders and the goalie before having his shot cleared off the line by Jørgen Tengesdal. However, Nannskog had followed his fellow strikers run and he sent the rebound into the empty net.

Viking hit back three minutes later, with Allan Gaarde connecting with a Søren Berg cross and suddenly, Stabæk looked concerned about giving away the points. However, Nicolai Stokholm made a awful challenge on Alanzinho and with his second booking of the match, the dark blues would have to play the remaining ten minutes with only ten men.

In the final minutes, Peter Ijeh failed to get his toe on the end of a cross and Allan Gaarde sent his free-kick onto the crossbar, but the much needed goal never came and all the points stayed in Bærum.

Viking-manager Uwe Rosler was furious with his players saying: "None of the players were interested in playing football. I felt we made Stabæk look good. Players were pulling out of tackles and we have to start playing well away from home, not just at home."

Match Facts
Stabæk IF - Viking FK 2-1 (0-0)
Goals: 1-0 Daniel Nannskog (47), 2-0 Daniel Nannskog (75), 2-1 Allan Gaarde (78)
Yellow Cards: Jone Samuelsen, Hannes Sigurdsson, Maurice Ross (Viking)
Røde Card: Nicolai Stokholm (to gule)
Attendance: 5 566
Referee: Roy Helge Olsen,

Stabæk (4-4-2): Jon Knudsen - Tom Stenvoll, Morten M. Skjønsberg, Pontus Segerström, Bjørnar Holmvik - Christian Keller, Somen A Tchoyi, Henning Hauger, Alanzinho (Tommy Stenersen 80) - Veigar Pall Gunnarsson, Daniel Nannskog (Branimir Poljac 89)

Viking (4-4-2): Iven Austbø - Maurice Ross (Jørgen Tengesdal 58), Ragnvald Soma, Børre Steenslid, Thomas Pereira (Allan Gaarde 69) - Søren Berg, Nicolai Stokholm, Jone Samuelsen, Alexander Ødegaard (Andre Danielsen 46) - Peter Ijeh, Hannes Sigurdsson

League Table (after 11 matches)
1.Brann, 23pts (GD 22-19)
2.Stabæk, 22pts (18-11)
3.Lillestrøm, 18pts (19-12)
4.Rosenborg, 18pts (21-15)
5.Viking, 18pts (17-15)
6.Fredrikstad, 16pts (19-18)
7.Tromsø, 16pts (19-19)
8.Lyn Oslo, 15pts (23-18)
9.Strømsgodset, 15pts (13-17)
10.Vålerenga, 13pts (8-10)
11.Start, 13pts (17-20)
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12.Sandefjord, 9pts (12-18)
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13.Aalesund, 8pts (14-24)
14.Odd Grenland, 7pts (10-16)
___________________________

2007.06.17 – League Match – Viking - Tromsø – 3-1

Viking recorded their fourth victory in a row with a deserved 3-1 win over Tromsø, who still only have three points away from home this season.

Two goals from Peter Ijeh and an unlucky Christian Steen gave the Stavanger team all the points in a game that never really got going until the second half. The first 45 minutes were poor with both teams having problems with their passing and few chances being created.

After 28 minutes Yngvar Håkonsen headed home from a free-kick to give the visitors the lead, and the home side were struggling to get back into the match. However, in first-half injury-time, Nicolai Stokholm fired a shot at goal and the ball hit Tromsø's Christian Steen sending the ball into the back of the net behind a wrong footed goalie Saed Ramovic.

In the second half Viking dominated and outplayed a defensive Tromsø and Peter Ijeh, Søren Berg and Andre Danielsen all had shots on goal, but the dark blues just couldn't find the breakthrough.

Then with 12 minutes to go Alexander Ødegaard sent a world-class ball into the box and striker Peter Ijeh headed the ball into the top of the net to give the Stavanger team a 2-1 lead. Three minutes later, Ødegaard once again found the Nigerian with a perfect ball and Ijeh, like the previous goal, headed home to score his seventh goal in eight games.

After the match, manager Uwe Rosler was pleased with the second half performance, but after being asked about what he thought about Vikings chances of challenging for the title the German said: "Take it easy, we are not a top team yet."

"I am still trying to work out all the players strengths and weaknesses. We are on the right track and the substitutions at half-time turned the game to our advantage, which gave us the victory"

Match Facts
Viking – Tromsø 3-1 (1-1)
Goals: 0-1 Yngvar Håkonsen (28), 1-1 Christian Steen (45og), 2-1 Peter Ijeh (78), 3-1 Peter Ijeh (81)
Yellow Cards: Maurice Ross (Viking), Sead Ramovic (Tromsø)
Attendance: 16 241
Referee: Tom Harald Hagen

Viking (4-4-2) – Iven Austbø – Maurice Ross, Børre Steenslid, Ragnvald Soma, Thomas Pereira – Razak Pimpong (Alexander Ødegaard 46), Nikolai Stokholm, Andre Danielsen (Jone Samuelsen 84), Allan Gaarde – Søren Berg, Peter Ijeh

Tromsø (4-3-3) – Sead Ramovic – Martin Knudsen (Thomas Hafstad 72), Christian Steen, Henrik Nordnes, Yngvar Håkonsen (Ruben Yttergård Jenssen 62)– Tom Høgli (Sigurd Rushfeldt 75), Douglas Sequeira, Joel Lindpere – Morten Moldskred, Ole Martin Årst, Hans Åge Yndestad

League Table (after 10 matches)
1.Brann, 20pts (GD 20-18)
2.Stabæk, 19pts (16-10)
3.Viking, 18pts (16-13)
4.Lillestrøm, 17pts (18-11)
5.Rosenborg, 17pts (20-14)
6.Fredrikstad, 15pts (17-16)
7.Strømsgodset, 15pts (12-15)
8.Lyn Oslo, 14pts (23-18)
9.Tromsø, 13pts (17-18)
10.Start, 13pts (16-18)
11.Vålerenga, 12pts (8-10)
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12.Sandefjord, 8pts (10-16)
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13.Aalesund, 8pts (13-22)
14.Odd Grenland, 4pts (8-15)
___________________________

2007.06.13 – Cup Match (2nd Round) – Randaberg - Viking – 0-6

It was a comfortable victory for Viking in the second round of the Norwegian Cup, against City rivals, Randaberg.

The third division outfit, who have an aim to be in the first division within three years, were outplayed by the dark blues. Jone Samuelsen gave Viking the lead after 11 minutes after Alexander Ødegaards shot was saved and Samuelsen scored on the rebound.

Half-way into the first half Hannes Sigurdsson made it 2-0, when goalkeeper Janvier Ndikumana make an awful attempt at saving his shot and the ball bounced over the him into the back of the net.

Seven minutes after the break Allan Gaarde got his first goal of the season with a well placed free-kick 14 minutes later Hannes Sigurdsson beat goalkeeper Ndikimana in the air to header home the fourth goal of the day.

With thirteen minutes to go, sub Andreas U. Andersen on his debut made it 5-0 after a brilliant run and shot, and in the final minutes Andersen became provider as he passed the ball to Alexander Ødegaard who slotted the ball passed the Ranadberg goalie.

Viking will now travel to Drøbak/Frogn in the third round of the cup on Wednesday 27th June.

Match Facts
Randaberg IL -Viking FK 0-6 (0-2)
Goals: 0-1 Jone Samuelsen (11), 0-2 Hannes Sigurdsson (27), 0-3 Allan Gaarde (63), 0-4 Sigurdsson (69), 0-5 Andreas U. Andersen (77), 0-6 Alexander Ødegaard (89).
Yellow Cards: Gustav Kjølberg, Sindre Erstad (Randaberg) Børre Steenslid (Viking)
Attendance: 2500
Referee: Helge Hestvåg

Randaberg (4-3-3) – Janvier Ndikimana – Vegard Aanestad, Gustav Vikes Kjølstad, Sindre Erstad, Petter Berg – Muhammad Akar, Håkon Stenersen, Ragnar Vasshaug – John Sanne (Børge Lien 87), Petar Rnkovic, Krister Aunan (Fredrik Fossmark 73)

Viking (4-3-3) – Iven Austbø – Jørgen Tengesdal, Børre Steenslid, Ragnvald Soma (Peter Abelsson 74), Thomas Pereira – Jone Samuelsen, Nicolai Stokholm (Andre Danielsen 25), Allan Gaarde – Søren Berg (Andreas U. Andersen 71), Hannes Sigurdsson, Alexander Ødegaard

2007.06.09 – League Match – Strømsgodset - Viking – 1-2

There was a war of words between the managers, but on the field Viking made an impressive comeback after going one goal down to take all the points in Drammen.

Viking almost had the perfect start after five minutes when Peter Ijeh connected with a Søren Berg cross, with his header striking the crossbar. Strømsgodsets Christer George came close a few minutes later, but Viking goalkeeper Iven Austbø made a good save to keep the scores level.
The rest of the half was uneventful, until the last five minutes when both teams had their chances to take the lead. It was again Ijeh who came close for the visitors, whilst former Viking Peter Kovacs had his shot sail just over the crossbar.

Eight minutes into the second half the visitors Maurice Ross, facing his own goal and under pressure from Strømsgodsets Kovacs, tried to clear the ball to safety, but instead he lobbed it over his own goalie Iven Austbø into the back of the net to give the home side the lead.

The Scottish fullback said after the match: “It was an awful mistake. I was trying to clear the ball, but mis-kicked it and it just flew in.”

The home side from Drammen were now dominating the match, with Keijo Huusko coming very close to increasing the lead, but a good Iven Austbø kept the visitors from Stavanger in the match.

Then in the 68th minute, Peter Ijeh won the ball on the right and set off towards the opponent’s goal. After racing past Samir Fazlagic, he slotted the ball with his left-foot into the far corner to send the traveling Viking supporters into complete mayhem.

Both teams were now looking for the winning goal and with eight minutes to go the visitors Icelandic striker Hannes Sigurdsson found the space in the area and coolly lobbed the ball over Espen Johnsen in Strømsgodsets goal to give Viking a 2-1 win and the three points. In the final minute Ijeh was almost clean though on goal, but was brought down by the home sides Glenn Andersen and the referee Tommy Skjerven had no option but to show the red card.

The matchwinner felt the goal was a fluke saying: “I was out of balance in the moment I hit the ball. I was lucky to get the touch I did, and if I scored goals like that on purpose then I would not be playing in Norway.”

Vikings manager Uwe Rosler and Strømsgodsets Dag-Eilev Fagermo were in a bit of war of words after the match. Fagermo was the first to talk to the media after the match saying: “He (Rosler) was acting like an idiot on the sidelines and it is a shame that we have people like him in Norwegian football.”

Rosler did not have anything positive to say about his colleague either saying: “He belongs to the group of managers that spend a lot of time criticising and talking about other teams. He has to learn how to behave himself”

Match Facts
Strømsgodset IF – Viking FK 1-2 (0-0)
Goals: 1-0 Maurice Ross (53sm), 1-1 Peter Ijeh (68), 1-2 Hannes Sigurdsson (83)
Yellow Cards: Hannes Sigurdsson (Viking), Peter Kovacs (Strømsgodset)
Red Cards: Glenn Andersen (Strømsgodset)
Attendance: 5 943
Referee: Tommy Skjerven

Strømsgodset (4-3-3) – Espen Johnsen - Andre Bergdølmo, Ronny Deila (Glenn Andersen 19), Alexander Aas, Samir Fazlagic – Ousman Nyan (Kenneth Dokken 75), Keijo Huusko, Christer George – Stian Ohr, Peter Kovacs, Trygve Åse Lunde (Thomas Sørum 80)

Viking (4-2-3-1) – Iven Austbø – Maurice Ross (Børre Steenslid 90), Peter Abelsson, Ragnvald Soma, Thomas Pereira – Andre Danielsen, Nikolai Stokholm – Razak Pimpong (Alexander Ødegaard 59), Søren Berg, Allan Gaarde (Hannes Sigurdsson 59) – Peter Ijeh

League Table (after 8 matches)
1.Brann, 20pts (GD 20-12)
2.Lillestrøm, 17pts (18-10)
3.Stabæk, 16pts (12-9)
4.Viking, 15pts (13-12)
5.Rosenborg, 14pts (18-13)
6.Start, 13pts (16-15)
6.Tromsø, 13pts (16-15)
8.Fredrikstad, 12pts (14-16)
9.Strømsgodset, 12pts (11-15)
10.Lyn Oslo, 11pts (17-18)
11.Vålerenga, 9pts (7-10)
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12.Sandefjord, 8pts (10-15)
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13.Aalesund, 8pts (12-18)
14.Odd Grenland, 4pts (7-13)

Norwegian Premier League Table 2007

2007.05.28 – League Match – Aalesund - Viking – 0-2

A poor and awful match ended with all the points heading home to Stavanger, as Viking ran out 2-0 winners.

The first half was absolutely dreadful, with loads of poor passing and only one chance was created. This fell to Aalesunds Thor Hogne Aarøy, who headed wide from 4 yards out.

The second half was slightly better. Hannes Sigurdsson and Jone Samuelsen had good opportunities to break the deadlock, but could not get their shots on target. Joakim Austnes had the biggest chance, when he found himself with only the goalie to beat. However, his shot was straight on the goalkeeper and Autsbø had no problems saving.

Then on 81 minutes, when it looked like the worst game ever would finish 0-0, Vikings Ragnvald Soma connected beautifully with the ball from 25 yards and volleyed it into the top far corner. Aalesund pushed everybody forward to find an equaliser and around a minute after the goal, Andre Danielsen stole the ball and hit Aalesund on the counter-attack. After running over half the field, he found Razak Pimpong on his own on the left and the Ghanaian international coolly slotted the ball in the far corner.

Uwe Rosler was happy with the result, but not with the match saying: “I’m happy with the three points, but not the performance. We did win though, so I cant be too negative. Many would say that we have lost games that we have dominated, so it’s about time we have a bit of luck on our side.”

Match Facts
Aalesund FK – Viking FK 0-2 (0-0)
Goals: 0-1 Ragnvald Soma (81), 0-2 Razak Pimpong (83)
Yellow Cards: Karl Oskar Fjørtoft (Aalesund)
Attendance: 10 522
Referee: Terje Hauge

Aalesund (4-1-2-1-2) – Adin Brown – Enar Jääger, Benjamin Kibebe, Haraldur Gudmundsson (Joakim Alexandersson 77), Mattias Nylund – Amund Skiri – Magnus Kihlberg (Lasse Olsen 59), Trond Fredriksen – Karl Oskar Fjørtoft – Tor Hogne Aarøy, Joakim Austnes

Viking (4-3-3) – Iven Austbø – Maurice Ross, Ragnvald Soma, Børre Steenslid, Thomas Pereira – Jone Samuelsen (Allan Gaarde 72), Nikolai Stokholm, Andre Danielsen – Søren Berg, Hannes Sigurdsson (Peter Abelsson 90), Alexander Ødegaard (Razak Pimpong 46)

League Table (after 8 matches)
1.Lillestrøm, 17pts (GD 17-7)
2.Brann, 17pts (17-11)
3.Rosenborg, 13pts (17-12)
4.Tromsø, 13pts (16-13)
5.Stabæk, 13pts (9-7)
6.Viking, 12pts (11-11)
7.Strømsgodset, 12pts (10-13)
8.Lyn Oslo, 11pts (15-15)
9.Fredrikstad, 11pts (13-15)
10.Start, 10pts (13-14)
11.Sandefjord, 8pts (9-12)
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12.Vålerenga, 8pts (6-9)
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13.Aalesund, 5pts (10-18)
14.Odd Grenland, 3pts (6-12)

2007.05.20 – Cup Match (1st Round) – EIK - Viking – 0-6

There was never any doubt over the result in the first round of the Norwegian Cup, as Viking ran out comfortable 6-0 winners.

The third division outfit EIK from Egersund were rarely out of their own half and the part-timers struggled against the Stavanger team. Local boy Jone Samuelsen gave Viking the lead after just four minutes when he connected with a cross from Razak Pimpong and Andre Danielsen made it 2-0 in the 19th minute when he beat the offside trap and slotted the ball home in the far corner.

In the second half it was a brilliant attacking display from the visitors with Hannes Sigurdsson and Alexander Ødegaard getting on the scoresheet before a rare goal from left-back Thomas Pereira made it 5-0 with 18 minutes to go. The Icelandic striker Sigurdsson got his second in the final ten minutes after heading in a cross from Ødegaard.

Uwe Rösler was pleased with the match saying: “Everybody played well today. I especially liked the performance in the second half where we created many chances, whilst there were many things that could have been better in the first half.”

Viking will now travel to local team Randaberg, also from the third division, in the next round of the Norwegian Cup.

Match Facts
Egersunds IK – Viking FK 0-6 (0-2)
Goals: 0-1 Jone Samuelsen (4), Andre Danielsen (19), Hannes Sigurdsson (61), Alexander Ødegaard (65), Thomas Pereira (72), Hannes Sigurdsson (81)
Yellow Cards: Jone Samuelsen (Viking)
Attendance: 1 750
Referee: Ole Kristian Lie

Viking (4-3-3) – Iven Austbø – Maurice Ross, Ragnvald Soma, Peter Abelsson, Thomas Pereira – Jone Samuelsen, Nikolai Stokholm (Trygve Nygaard 46), Andre Danielsen (Birkir Bjarnason 69) – Razak Pimpong (Allan Gaarde 46), Hannes Sigurdsson, Alexander Ødegaard

2007.05.16 – League Match – Viking fk - Lyn Oslo – 4-2

Viking recorded their biggest victory of the season as the traditional 16th May match saw the dark blues of Stavanger run out 4-2 winners.

The talk in the build up to the match was all about how Viking were going to be able to score without there suspended topgoalscorer Peter Ijeh. Things didn’t start to well either, as after only three minutes former Rosenborg full-back Ståle Stensaas struck a free-kick under a jumping Viking wall, and the ball crept in the nearest corner to give the visitors from Oslo a one goal lead.

It wasn’t long though before the Stavanger team were back in the match. On thirteen minutes, Alexander Ødegaard got the ball in a bit of space and from 25 yards the former Sogndal favourite blasted the ball into the top left corner for quite a magnificent goal, causing the whole stadium to explode.

The goal seemed to give Ødegaard the confidence he has been looking for since his multi million transfer move last year, as he came to two big chances and created another two in the next fifteen minutes. Viking were playing some wonderful attacking football in this period, and were unlucky not to increase their lead.

In the final quarter-of-an-hour Viking were getting closer and closer, and it was starting to look like one of those days again. Søren Berg and Hannes Sigurdsson had a couple of good chances, whilst Iven Austbø kept the Stavanger team in the match at the other end with a superb save from Lyns Erling Knudtzon.

Then in injury-time of the first half, Andre Danielsen fought himself into the area and was brought down. Captain Nikolai Stokholm had no problems from the spot and the stadium exploded once again.

In the second half things couldn’t have started better. Four minutes into the half, Razak Pimpong received a wonderful pass on the right from Alexander Ødegaard, and the Ghanaian placed a brilliant shot into the far bottom corner.

Viking were dominating completely now and it with Ragnvald Soma winning every ball in defence, Lyn were struggling to cope in the sunshine at Viking Stadium. Christian Brink came close for the visitors on 57 minutes, but his header was a fraction over the crossbar.

Pimpong had a good chance with half-an-hour to go, but his shot was saved. The Ghanaian international had to go off with a knee injury straight afterwards, but this didn’t hamper Viking as with 18 minuets to go, the Stavanger team were 4-1 up. Nikolai Stokholm played a magnificent long ball into the path of fellow Danishman Søren Berg and from five yards out he placed the ball elegantly into the far corner. The home crowd can hardly believe what they are seeing and go absolutely bonkers.

With thirteen minutes to go, Allan Gaarde came on as a substitute to big cheers from the Stavanger crowd. The star midfielder broke his leg earlier in the year and had made it back in record time for his first appearance of the season.

Little happened for the rest of the match, until Edu, with one minute to go, got one back for the visitors from Oslo. The Nigerian took advantage of the lack of concentration in the Viking defence and connected with a cross to header home. However, it was too little too late for Lyn and the National day celebrations could begin.

Man-of-the-match Alexander Ødegaard was over the moon with his performance saying: “A lot went my way today and I have been feeling in great form lately.”

Captain and penalty scorer Nikolai Stokholm was also pleased to see how the team coped without Peter Ijeh and Jone Samuelsen saying: “Today we showed that other people than Peter (Ijeh) can score and that gives us a lot of confidence. It was very important to win this match and I feel we showed great morale to come back after conceding early on.”

The game also saw the record attendance being recorded at Viking Stadium, as 16,448 people turned up for the magnificent victory.

Match Facts
Viking – Lyn Oslo 4-2 (2-1)
Goals: 0-1 Ståle Stensaas (3), 1-1 Alexander Ødegaard (13), 2-1 Nikolai Stokholm (45pen), 3-1 Razak Pimpong (49), 4-1 Søren Berg (72), 4-2 Edu (89)
Yellow Cards: Hannes Sigurdsson, Iven Austbø (Viking)
Attendance: 16 448
Referee: Espen Berntsen

Viking (4-3-3) – Iven Austbø – Maurice Ross (Jørgen Tengesdal 80), Ragnvald Soma, Peter Abelsson, Thomas Pereira – Søren Berg, Nikolai Stokholm, Andre Danielsen – Razak Pimpong (Birkir Bjarnason 67), Hannes Sigurdsson (Allan Gaarde 77), Alexander Ødegaard

Lyn Oslo (4-4-2) – Eddie Gustafsson – Rasmus Daugaard, Christian Brink, Indridi Sigurdsson (Mads Dahm 21), Ståle Stensaas – Erling Knudtzon, Stefan Gislason, Jo Tessem, Espen Hoff (Ezekiel Bala 46) – Magnus Powell, Edu

League Table (After 7 matches)
1.Lillestrøm, 16pts (GD 16-6)
2.Brann, 14pts (15-11)
3.Tromsø, 13pts (13-9)
4.Stabæk, 12pts (8-6)
5.Rosenborg, 10pts (15-11)
6.Start, 10pts (11-11)
7.Viking, 9pts (9-11)
8.Strømsgodset, 9pts (7-11)
9.Lyn Oslo, 8pts (11-12)
10.Sandefjord, 8pts (8-10)
11.Vålerenga, 8pts (6-8)
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12.Fredrikstad, 8pts (12-15)
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13.Aalesund, 5pts (10-16)
14.Odd Grenland, 3pts (6-10)

2007.05.13 – League Match – Lillestrøm - Viking – 4-1

It ended in a heavy defeat at the league leaders for Viking, in a match that the visitors were in control of, until a second of madness from Peter Ijeh.

The dark blue team from Stavanger took the lead through Nigerian Peter Ijeh, who scored his forth goal of the season. Lillestrøm goalkeeper Heinz Muller could only parry the shot from Søren Berg and it ended up at Ijehs feet and he coolly slotted the ball in the back of the net.

Viking were the better team, putting the home side under constant pressure and giving them little time on the ball. However, on 28 minutes everything changed. Ijeh was clearly pushed over by Lillestrøm defender Frode Kippe, but instead of giving Viking a free-kick he waved play on and the ball ended up at the feet of Magnus Myklebust, who equalised for the home side. Ijeh was furious and said either “f*** you” or “f*** off” in the face of the referee three or four times. When the referee showed the yellow card to the Nigerian striker, Ijeh continued to swear and the man in black had no choice but to show the red card.

It was an uphill battle for the rest of the match for the visitors, but they managed to keep Lillestrøm quiet for most of the match. It wasn’t until the 71st minute that the league leaders finally created something. Bjørn Helge Riise beat the offside trap and slotted the ball in the back of the net and straight afterwards it was 3-1 through a second Magnus Myklebust goal.

With four minutes to go, Canadian international Olivier Occean made it 4-1 to complete the misery for Viking, and at the end of the match it went from bad to worse for the dark blues from Stavanger as Jone Samuelsen was given his second yellow card for punching the ball away.

Viking manager Uwe Rösler was frustrated with the lack of discipline in the side saying: “There are no excuses. The red cards are unnecessary and have a big impact on the game. If you get booked, you have to be able to control yourself."

The German also admits that disciplinary action from the club may follow saying: “Something has to be done so that this never happens again.”

Match Facts
Lillestrøm SK – Viking FK 4-1 (1-1)
Goals: 0-1 Peter Ijeh (7), 1-1 Magnus Myklebust (27), 2-1 Bjørn Helge Riise (71), 3-1 Magnus Myklebust (73), 4-1 Olivier Occean (86)
Yellow Cards: Kasey Wehrmann, Simen Brenne (Lillestrøm), Peter Ijeh, Nikolai Stokholm (Viking)
Red Cards: Peter Ijeh, Jone Samuelsen (two bookings)
Attendance: 9 371
Referee: Tom Henning Øvrebø

Lillestrøm (4-3-3) – Heinz Muller – Anders Rambekk, Pål Steffen Andresen, Frode Kippe, Shane Stefanutto – Bjørn Helge Riise, Kasey Wehrmann (Khaled Mouelhi 67), Simen Brenne (Espen Søgård 72) – Magnus Myklebust, Arild Sundgot, Olivier Occean (Karim Essediri 89)

Viking (4-3-3) – Iven Austbø – Maurice Ross, Ragnvald Soma, Peter Abelsson, Thomas Pereira – Jone Samuelsen, Nikolai Stokholm, Andre Danielsen (Birkir Bjarnason 70) – Søren Berg, Peter Ijeh, Alexander Ødegaard (Hannes Sigurdsson 46)

League Table (After 6 matches)
1.Lillestrøm, 16pts (GD 15-4)
2.Brann, 13pts (13-9)
3.Tromsø, 10pts (11-8)
4.Start, 10pts (10-7)
5.Stabæk, 9pts (7-6)
6.Strømsgodset, 9pts (7-7)
7.Lyn Oslo, 8pts (9-8)
8.Sandefjord, 8pts (8-8)
9.Rosenborg, 7pts (11-10)
10.Fredrikstad, 7pts (10-13)
11.Viking, 6pts (5-9)
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12.Vålerenga, 5pts (4-8)
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13.Odd Grenland, 3pts (6-9)
14.Aalesund, 2pts (6-16)

2007.05.06 – League match – Viking - Odd Grenland – 2-1

It was exciting right to the end, but Viking held on for their first win of the season by beating fellow strugglers Odd Grenland.

Nothing happened in the first 25 minutes of the match and many people were dreading a repeat of the Sandefjord 0-0 draw a fortnight earlier. However, on 27 minutes Peter Ijeh dummied the ball to Andre Danielsen, who then passed the back into the path of the Nigerian striker. From 12 yards out Ijeh placed his shot in the bottom corner and the stadium irrupted.

Ijeh almost got his second a few minutes later, but this time the visitor’s goalkeeper Rune Almenning Jarstein was equal to it. Odd Grenland were very poor in the first half, but almost scored just before the break when Fernando de Ornelas stole the ball and was clean though on goal. However, Iven Austbø was quickly off his line to block the shot.

It was a better start to the second half than the first and Peter Ijeh (x2) and Hannes Sigurdsson had good opportunities to increase the lead, but could not direct their shots on target. Then on 64 minutes the visitors got a free-kick on the right. Espen Ruud crossed the ball into the area and an unmarked Nat Borches got up to header the ball into the net for an undeserved equaliser.

In the space of four minutes there were two goalmouth scrambles in the visitor’s penalty area, but Viking couldn’t get the ball over the line. Then with 12 minutes to go Nikolai Stokholm sends a corner into the box and Peter Ijeh gets his header on target and the ball rolls into the back of the net. Viking Stadium explodes!

Alexander Ødegaard caused havoc on the left side after coming on as a substitute and was pulled down in the area with three minutes to go. Ijeh had the chance to score a hat-trick, but his penalty was saved easily by Jarstein in the Odd goal.

The home side almost gave away the points right at the death, but somehow Odds Fernando de Ornelas put the ball wide from five yards out. Viking captain Nikolai Stokholm was greatful for the Venezuelan striker missing the chance right at the end saying: “It was unnecessary to give them a chance like that, but luckily it didn’t end up in the back of the net.

Viking manager Uwe Rösler was happy with his side finally getting the three points saying: “It’s not good for our confidence to draw matches that we should have won, so it was good to finally win.”

However, the former Manchester City favourite is still not happy with the finishing and feels there is room for improvement. Rösler said: “We have to be better in front of goal and keep our composure in the vital moment. There is still a lot to work on.

Match Facts
Viking FK – Odd Grenland 2-1 (1-0)
Goals: 1-0 Peter Ijeh (27), 1-1 Nat Borches (64), 2-1 Peter Ijeh (78)
Yellow Cards: Børre Steenslid, Andre Danielsen (Viking)
Attendance: 13 808
Referee: Roy Helge Olsen

Viking (4-4-2) – Iven Austbø – Maurice Ross, Børre Steenslid, Ragnvald Soma, Thomas Pereira – Razak Pimpong (Søren Berg 77), Nikolai Stokholm, Jone Samuelsen, Andre Danielsen, – Peter Ijeh (Peter Abelsson 88), Hannes Sigurdsson (Alexander Ødegaard 68)

Odd Grenland (4-4-2) – Rune Almenning Jarstein – Espen Ruud, Nat Borches, Steffen Hagen, Tuomo Kononen – Jan Tore Amundsen (Torjus Hansen 46), Tommy Svindel Larsen, Trond Viggo Toresen, Jacob Sørensen (Magnus Lekven 81) – Fernando de Ornelas, Zbynek Pospech (Fredrik Gulsvik 60)

League Table (After 5 matches)
1.Lillestrøm, 13pts (GD 11-3)
2.Brann, 10pts (10-7)
3.Sandefjord, 8pts (6-5)
4.Rosenborg, 7pts (10-8)
5.Tromsø, 7pts (10-8)
6.Start, 7pts (9-7)
7.Lyn Oslo, 7pts (9-8)
8.Fredrikstad, 7pts (9-11)
9.Stabæk, 6pts (5-5)
10.Strømsgodset, 6pts (5-6)
11.Viking, 6pts (4-5)
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12.Vålerenga, 5pts (4-7)
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13.Odd Grenland, 3pts (6-8)
14.Aalesund, 1pts (6-16)

2007.04.29 – League match – Fredrikstad - Viking – 2-0

Vikings worst display resulted in the season’s first defeat as Fredrikstad ran out 2-0 winners at home.

The visitors from Stavanger were never in the match and had a disastrous first half as Fredrikstad won every ball and played havoc with the Viking defence for 45 minutes. The home sides’ quick strikers Tarik Elyounoussi and Ismael Fofana took advantage of the big spaces behind the visiting defensive line, and it was only a good Iven Austbø in the dark blues goal that kept the defeat from being even worse.

Viking manager Uwe Rösler felt the team embarrassed everybody, including themselves. Rösler said: “It was only the goalkeeper, our two strikers and the substitutes Razak Pimpong and Thomas Pereira that have played at an acceptable level today. The rest were awful.”

Fredrikstad took the lead on 18 minutes when usually reliable defender Ragnvald Soma lost the ball in the middle of the park, and big spaces opened up at the back. Elyounoussi ran onto the pass and slotted the ball into the far corner. Five minutes later it was 2-0, when fullback Andres Prytz struck a 35 yard free-kick into the top corner. A brilliant goal that Viking goalkeeper Iven Austbø had no chance stopping.

The rest of the match was uneventful and Viking rarely managed to get the ball in front of the opposition goal. Viking captain Nikolai Stokholm could only apologies for the performance. Stokholm said: “We were not on the pitch in the first half, so they deserved to lead. Now we must pick ourselves up and come back stronger.”

Viking manager Uwe Rösler warns the players ahead of next week saying: “I hope the players have learnt something today. We are going to have a tough week of training to sort this mess out”

Match Facts
Fredrikstad FK – Viking FK 2-0 (2-0)
Goals: 1-0 Tarik Elyounoussi (18), 2-0 Anders Prytz (23)
Yellow Cards: Anders Prytz, Patrik Gerrbrand, Pål Andre Czwartek, Miika Multaharju (Fredrikstad), Hannes Sigurdsson, Nikolai Stokholm, Jørgen Tengesdal (Viking)
Attendance: 12 089
Referee: Kristoffer Helgerud

Fredrikstad (4-4-2) – Rami Shaaban – Pål Andre Czwartek, Patrik Gerrbrand, Vidar Martinsen, Anders Prytz (Miikka Multaharju 74) – John Anders Bjørkøy, Hans Erik Ramberg, Ciaran Martyn, Raymond Kvisvik (Øyvind Hoås 60) – Tarik Elyounoussi, Ismael Fofana (Brian West 84)

Viking (4-4-2) – Iven Austbø – Jørgen Tengesdal, Børre Steenslid, Ragnvald Soma, Øyvind Svenning (Thomas Pereira 24) – Søren Berg, Nikolai Stokholm, Jone Samuelsen, Andre Danielsen (Birkir Bjarnason 36) (Razak Pimpong 65) – Peter Ijeh, Hannes Sigurdsson

League Table (After 4 matches)
1.Lillestrøm, 10pts (GD 8-2)
2.Brann, 9pts (8-5)
3.Rosenborg, 7pts (9-6)
4.Fredrikstad, 7pts (8-7)
5.Sandefjord, 7pts (5-4)
6.Start, 6pts (7-5)
7.Lyn Oslo, 6pts (8-7)
8.Stabæk, 5pts (4-4)
9.Strømsgodset, 5pts (4-5)
10.Tromsø, 4pts (6-7)
11.Odd Grenland, 3pts (5-6)
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12.Viking, 3pts (2-4)
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13.Vålerenga, 2pts (2-6)
14.Aalesund, 1pts (5-13)

2007.04.22 – League match – Viking - Sandefjord – 0-0

The home crowd demanded three points, but witnessed a match in which Viking dominated but failed to find the back of the net.

Viking manager Uwe Rösler was obviously frustrated with the result and said “It was just one of those days. We created loads of great chances, but are finishing was not good enough. We are very disappointed with only one point.”

The first half-an-hour saw Viking dominate completely with Nikolai Stokholm, Jone Samuelsen and Razak Pimpong all with good opportunities. The only shot on target though was on 22 minutes when Vikings Andre Danielsen unleashed a powerful shot at goal, but the visitor’s goalkeeper Espen Bugge Pettersen got his fingertips on the ball and deflected it just wide of the top corner. Sandefjord had a big chance to take an undeserved lead near the end of the half, but Samuel Isaksens shot was saved easily by Iven Austbø.

Viking continued to create chances in the second half, but with the same result. Nine minutes into the half Viking had their biggest chance to score, but Nigerian striker Peter Ijeh managed to put the ball on the wrong side of the post from six yards out. The carelessness in front of goal continued after this with Øyvind Svenning, Søren Berg and Andre Danielsen all blasting their shots wide of the visitor’s goal.

Then with seven minutes left it looked like the home crowd was finally going to have something to celebrate. Øyvind Svennings cross was defelcted into the path of Icelandic striker Hannes Sigurdsson, and when everybody in the ground could see the ball on its way onto the strikers head, Peter Ijeh popped up in front of Sigurdsson and blasted the ball over the crossbar. The frustration could be heard all around Viking Stadium, but the match ended in a stalemate at 0-0.

After the match Viking manager Uwe Rösler felt the only thing he could fault his players for was their finishing. Rösler said “We were unlucky and I feel sorry for the players. On a normal day, Peter (Ijeh) would have scored two or three, so lets just hope this was a one-off”

Match Facts
Viking FK – Sandefjord Fotball 0-0
Yellow Cards: Birger Madsen, Adriano, Espen Bugge Pettersen (Sandefjord)
Attendance: 14 368
Referee: Tom Henning Øvrebø

Viking (4-4-2) – Iven Austbø – Jørgen Tengesdal, Børre Steenslid, Ragnvald Soma, Øyvind Svenning (Peter Abelsson 87) – Søren Berg, Nikolai Stokholm, Jone Samuelsen, Andre Danielsen (Alexander Ødegaard 77) – Peter Ijeh, Razak Pimpong (Hannes Sigurdsson 45)

Sandefjord (4-4-2) – Espen Bugge Pettersen – Martin Jensen, Birger Madsen, Fredrik Kjølner, Sampo Koskinen (Olav Zanetti 73), Ebrima Sohna (Jon Andre Røyrane 78), Tommy Knarvik, Kari Arkivuo, Samuel Isaksen – Adriano (Mikael Andersson 80), Andreas Tegström

League Table (After 3 matches)
1.Brann, 9pts (GD 8-2)
2.Lillestrøm, 7pts (5-1)
3.Lyn Oslo, 6pts (7-4)
4.Start, 5pts (6-4)
5.Rosenborg, 4pts (6-6)
6.Tromsø, 4pts (5-5)
7.Sandefjord, 4pts (3-3)
8.Stabæk, 4pts (3-3)
9.Fredrikstad, 4pts (6-7)
10.Strømsgodset, 4pts (4-5)
11.Viking, 3pts (2-2)
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12.Vålerenga, 1pts (2-6)
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13.Aalesund, 1pts (5-10)
14.Odd Grenland, 0pts (2-6)

2007.04.15 – League match – Start - Viking – 1-1

The opening match at Starts new home, Sør Arena, ended in a draw and Vikings Søren Berg wrote himself into the history books.

It was a poor first half in Kristiansand and the awful pitch led to the players struggling to find their feet. Nine minutes into the match Starts Fredrik Strømstad was brought down in the area by dark blues left back, Øyvind Svenning and Swedish striker Stefan Bärlin was given a great opportunity to score the first ever goal at Sør Arena. However, Bärlin could not handle the pressure and his penalty went miles over the crossbar into the celebrating Viking fans behind the goal.

The visitors from Stavanger came close on 21 minutes when Peter Ijeh was a whisker away from getting on the end of Hannes Sigurdssons header, but neither Start or Viking created much and the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.

The second half was just as uneventful as the first and it wasn’t until the last fifteen minutes that things started to happen. In the 74th minute Vikings Danish forward Søren Berg became the first player to score at Sør Arena when the home sides’ goalkeeper Rune Nilssen misjudged a free-kick from the right and collided with Hannes Sigurdsson in the area. The ball fell out to Berg who elegantly headed the ball over Nilssen and the ball rolled into the back of the net, sending the 800 traveling Vikings supporters into ecstasy.

However, the celebrations were short lived as a misunderstanding in the dark blues defence led to Starts Ygor Marciel Santiago arriving in the area unmarked, and he connected with a cross from the left to equalize for the home side.

This sparked the home side into pushing for the winner and Vikings goalkeeper Iven Austbø made two wonderful saves to keep the visitors in the match. Right at the death, Jone Samuelsen and Nikolai Stokholm had chances to steal the points but both dark blues midfielders sent the balls high and wide, leading to a share of the points in the first ever encounter at Starts new home.

After the match is was alleged from Viking star Peter Ijeh that Starts Kristoffer Hæstad made racial remarks towards the Nigerian striker, but both clubs have decided to put the incident behind them and get on with football matters.

Match Facts
IK Start – Viking FK 1-1 (0-0)
Goals: 0-1 Søren Berg (74), 1-1 Ygor Marciel Santiago (75)
Yellow Cards: Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim (Start)
Attendance: 14 448
Referee: Tommy Skjerven

Start (4-3-3) – Rune Nilssen – Steinar Pedersen, Atle Roar Håland, Ygor Marcel Santiago, Kristoffer Paulsen – Anthony Annan (Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim 70), Fredrik Strømstad, Kristofer Hæstad – Morten Hæstad, Stefan Bärlin, Espen Børufsen (David Nielsen 61)

Viking (4-4-2) – Iven Austbø – Maurice Ross (Jørgen Tengesdal 84), Børre Stenslid, Ragnvald Soma, Øyvind Svenning – Søren Berg, Jone Samuelsen, Nicolai Stokholm, André Danielsen – Peter Ijeh, Hannes Sigurdsson

League Table (After 2 matches)
1.Lillestrøm, 6pts (GD 4-0)
2.Brann, 6pts (4-1)
3.Start, 4pts (5-3)
4.Rosenborg, 4pts (5-4)
5.Lyn Oslo, 3pts (4-3)
6.Tromsø, 3pts (4-4)
7.Sandefjord, 3pts (3-3)
8.Fredrikstad, 3pts (3-4)
9.Strømsgodset, 3pts (3-4)
10.Viking, 2pts (2-2)
11.Stabæk, 1pts (1-2)
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12.Vålerenga, 1pts (1-2)
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13.Odd Grenland, 0pts (1-3)
14.Aalesund, 0pts (2-7)

2007.04.09 – League match – Viking - Rosenborg – 1-1

Viking and Rosenborg shared the points in the season opener at Viking Stadium in Stavanger.

Nigerian striker Peter Ijeh picked up from where he left off last season and gave Viking the lead in the first half, but with eight minutes to go Marek Sapara equalised for the visitors from Trondheim.

Little happened in the first 20 minutes, until Viking captain Nikolai Stokholms free-kick found Birkir Bjarnason in a good position, but the Icelandic youngster put the shot miles over the bar. The visitors turned up the pace in the next ten minutes and both Roar Strand and Steffen Iversen came close for Rosenborg.

Then on the half hour, Vikings Nigerian striker Peter Ijeh got the ball in the middle of the park and after running half the length of the pitch, Ijeh sent a low hard shot from 25 yards towards the far corner of the goal and it flew in off the post.

For the remaining fifteen minutes of the half, Viking dominated and created a couple of big chances. Both Søren Berg and Jone Samuelsen should have taken their chances, but Viking went into the break leading by the single goal.

In the second half Viking started well, but didn’t create too much in front of goal. The first chance fell to Rosenborgs Didier Konan, whose shot was saved superbly by goalkeeper Iven Austbø.

Both teams were playing great attacking football now, but it was looking like it was going to be one of those days for the visitors as they couldn’t find the back of the net.

Then with eight minutes to go, Rosenborgs Slovakian international Marek Sapara sent a free-kick towards the Vikings goal. The shot deflected of the wall and sent Vikings goalkeeper Iven Austbø the wrong way, and the ball flew into the far top corner giving Rosenborg their deserved equalizer.

The home team pushed for the winner, but Andre Danielsen and Razak Pimpong could not take their chances, and the match ended with a goal and a point a piece.

Viking manager Uwe Rosler was pleased after the match and saw no difference between his side and last years league champions.

Rosler said: “The match showed that we can compete with the champions, which gives us a lot of confidence.

Vikings central defender Ragnvald Soma had hoped that they could have kept all the points, but he found many positives to take from the game.

Soma said: “The goal we conceded was really unlucky and irritating. It would have been great to have got off to a winning start, but I feel that this year’s team is better than last seasons and that each player knows what is expected of them.”

Match Facts
Viking FK – Rosenborg BK 1-1 (1-0)
Goals: 1-0 Peter Ijeh (32), 1-1 Marek Sapara (82).
Yellow Cards: Peter Ijeh (Viking), Miika Koppinen (Rosenborg)
Attendance: 16 030
Referee: Roy Helge Olsen, Flekkerøy.

Viking (4-4-2): Iven Austbø – Maurice Ross, Børre Steenslid, Ragnvald Soma, Øyvind Svenning – Birkir Bjarnason (Jørgen Tengesdal 46), Nikolai Stokholm, Jone Samuelsen (André Danielsen 90), Søren Berg – Hannes Sigurdsson (Razak Pimpong 87), Peter Ijeh.

Rosenborg (4-3-3): Lars Hirschfeld – Fredrik Stoor, Mika Koppinen, Alejandro Lago (Bjørn Tore Kvarme 38), Mikael Dorsin – Roar Strand, Marek Sapara, Per Ciljan Skjelbred (Vidar Riseth 46) – Didier Konan, Steffen Iversen, Abodoulrazak Traoré (Daniel Braaten 69).

League Table
1.Lillestrøm, 3pts (GD 3-0)
2.Lyn Oslo, 3pts (3-0)
3.Start, 3pts (4-2)
4.Strømsgodset, 3pts (2-1)
5.Brann, 3pts (1-0)
6.Tromsø, 3pts (1-0)
7.Rosenborg, 1pts (1-1)
8.Viking, 1pts (1-1)
9.Odd Grenland, 0pts (1-2)
10.Stabæk, 0pts (0-1)
11.Vålerenga, 0pts (0-1)
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12.Aalesund, 0pts (2-4)
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13.Fredrikstad, 0pts (0-3)
14.Sandefjord, 0pts (0-3)

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