Norwegian Vikings hunting for glory

March update

March has now passed. Two matches were played, and I'm undefeated. However, I haven't won yet either.

Match reports

Viking 0 - 0 Molde
Hovland
Steenslid

The opening day gave me a tough match with title holders Molde standing on the other side of the pitch. The game started with a controversial decision from the ref. Viking's left back Trond Erik Bertelsen made a hopeless tackle in his own box after just one minute, but the ref allowed the game to continue.

The whole match consisted of two teams who were still on vacation. In the 77th minute, former Viking centre back Børre Steenslid recieved his second yellow card and was sent off. Despite playing 11 against 10, Viking couldn't find the net.

Molde's Even Hovland played very good in his centre back posistion and revieved the MotM award.



Strømsgodset 1 - 1 Viking
Nielsen
Sigurdsson
Jarstein

The second match was against Strømsgodset. The first half was a big yawn without any great chances for any of the teams.

In the 56th minute, Viking's new striker Morten Nielsen recieved the ball just outside the box and fired a shot towards goal. The goalkeeper had no chance and Viking was 1-0 up. Viking was looking to cruise the victory in until, in the 84th minute, a Strømsgodset striker pressed centre back Indridi Sigurdsson to making an own goal.

Viking goalie Rune Almenning Jarstein had a lot of world class saves, and therefore recieved the MotM award.

Table

We've had a slow start, but will be looking for a victory when the neighbours from Sandnes comes over for a visit. The neighbours from Haugesund will also visit Viking stadium for "The Battle of Rogaland".

Upcoming fixtures in April

Tippeligaen

Viking - Sandnes Ulf
Sogndal - Viking
Viking - Haugesund
Lillestrøm - Viking
Viking - Fredrikstad

How will Viking do in the two derbys? When will Viking get their first victory?
Please comment :-)

like your style!!! keep it up.

I'm jelous lol, so many replies already. It must be really unique to catch all of this interest, and well layed out. keep going!

Good to get Molde out of the way without a loss. I think Haugesund will be tough to beat if your strikers cannot score, which is what it is looking like so far. You might want to tweak your tactics in such a way that you can score a couple, even if it means you concede too.
As far as the story goes, top notch. You are doing great!

#62962 ForzaRoma : I'm jelous lol, so many replies already. It must be really unique to catch all of this interest, and well layed out. keep going!

This was just what I was hoping for. It is always fun when the readers finds it interesting, and it keeps me motivated to continue

#62964 akash.vidyasagar : Good to get Molde out of the way without a loss. I think Haugesund will be tough to beat if your strikers cannot score, which is what it is looking like so far. You might want to tweak your tactics in such a way that you can score a couple, even if it means you concede too.
As far as the story goes, top notch. You are doing great!

Thanks! Just played Haugesund. Not an easy match. Was also happy to get a point against Molde. Was important not to lose the first match

The Norwegian FA announce 1st Round Cup draw

The Norwegian FA today announced the cup draw for the 1st round of the Norwegian Cup.

Viking will be facing 2nd Division side Vindbjart away. 'We are of course happy with the draw, and we are looking forward to play against them.' Viking manager Henrik Steinnes said in an interview with the local newspaper. 'It is a great chance for the youngsters to shine, and for some of the players who need some match experience.'

Vindbjart manager Steinar Skeie had this to say: 'Viking is a difficult team to beat, and we see this as a great chance to get some money to the club in ticket sales. It is also a fantastic experience for our players to play against a such big team as Viking.'

The match will be played at Moseidmoen on the 5th of May.

April update

Another month has passed, and I'm going pretty good in my opinion.

Match reports

Viking 2 - 0 Sandnes Ulf
Nielsen
Nielsen

Stavanger vs. Sandnes. Viking vs. Sandnes Ulf. A local derby which means a lot for both teams. No one wants to lose. One player stood out this match. He delivered Danish dynamite to his team. His name: Morten Nielsen.

There were never any doubt on who would win. Viking was the better side in all of the 90 minutes. After 24 minutes, Trond Erik Bertelsen sends a corner towards the nearest post. Morten Nielsen gets a head on it and puts it in the back of the net. The crowd shouts his name and motivates their team to continue the domination.

In the 54th minute, Nielsen recieves the ball right outside the box, and gets past three defenders before he smashes the ball past the goalkeeper. A great derby. And two great goals from Nielsen.

Because of his two goals, Morten Nielsen truly deserved got his first MotM award in the navy blue shirt.

Sogndal 2 - 5 Viking
Nielsen
Va. Berisha
Hopen
Dyngeland
Nielsen

Once again, Viking's Danish striker Morten Nielsen showed his skills for his supporters. He opened his goal scoring account after just six minutes after a great build-up play. After 17 minutes, Valon Berisha feels lucky and fires a shot from 35m out. The shot slips out of the keeper's hands and Viking is 2-0 up.

Six minutes later, Sogndal's Ørjan Hopen sends away a blaster that goes in the post and hits the back of the net. But Viking wasn't finished there. Just minutes after conceding, Nielsen scores another goal. But Sogndal didn't give up. In the 34th minute, Stian Dyngeland slides in Sogndal's second goal. Four minutes later, Nielsen gets his hat-trick after a well struck corner. In the 55th minute, Nielsen gets his 4th for the night. Once again after a corner.

For the second match in a row, Morten Nielsen, and his four goals, is named MotM.

Viking 1 - 2 Haugesund
Danielsen
Søderlund
Pozniak
Pozniak

The Battle of Rogaland. Could Haugesund beat their older brother Viking? Did Viking handle the pressure as being favourites?

This was a game with high intensity. With three yellow cards within the first ten minutes of the game, a lot of people probably guessed there would be a red card in the match. After four minutes, Viking players gathered around the ref screaming for a penalty. The replays showed that the ref was right not to give them a penalty. After 31 minutes, Alexander Søderlund put Haugesund in front after a good cross from Michael Haukås. And just six minutes later, Chris Pozniak scored after a powerful header. The match was controlled by Haugesund, and Viking was just lucky to get a consulation goal. André Danielsen sent away a powerful shot from just outside the box.

Haugesund's Chris Pozniak was named MotM for his good defensive work and his great goal.

This also marked Viking manager Henrik Steinnes first defeat in an official match.

Lillestrøm 2 - 2 Viking
Olsen
Gabrielsen
Sundgot (pen)


Lillestrøm was the dominant side the first 20 minutes, without the big chances. Viking got more and more into the game, and after 36 minutes Trond Olsen chips the keeper to put Viking in front. Five minutes later, Olsen scored again after Morten Nielsen wasting two chances in a row.

Just two minutes after the second half began, Ruben Gabrielsen scores after a corner. Lillestrøm kept pushing on for an equalizer. With ten minutes left on the clock, Martin Ørnskov takes the ball with his hand, and Lillestrøm recieves a penalty. Veteran Arild Sundgot is safe from the spot and secure Lillestrøm a point.

With two goals, Trond Olsen was named MotM.

Viking 2 - 1 Fredrikstad
Frei
Nielsen
Rafn
Bertelsen

After two matches without a victory, Viking was back on track again against Fredrikstad.

20 minutes into the match, Kerim Frei scored a beautiful header. In the 34th minute, Morten Nielsen sends away a shot that creeps in behind the keeper.

In the 68th minute, Simen Rafn gave hope for an equalizer after a stunning half-volley. Sadly for Fredrikstad, they didn't get close to score a second goal.

Trond Erik Bertelsen played fantastic on the left back and was named MotM.

Table

As you can see, I'm in the top flight and there are still 23 league matches left of the season. So I can still win the league.

NOTE! The goal difference is now 13 - 8 giving me +5 instead of +7.

Upcoming fixtures in May

Norwegian Cup
Vindbjart - Viking (1st Round)
2nd Round?
3rd Round?

Tippeligaen
Odd Grenland - Viking
Viking - Tromsø
Brann - Viking
Viking - Hønefoss
Stabæk - Viking

Match of the month
When Viking travels up to Bergen and Brann, "The Battle of the West" will take place. It is a very important match. Not only for the supporters, but also for the league. Brann is currently on top of the league, but Viking will be looking to close the gap.

How do you think this month will end up? Can we beat Brann and be crowned as "The Best in the West"?
Please comment :-)

Due to techical difficulties (my computer shutting down) I will have to play the match against Fredrikstad again.

The updated version of the April report will arrive right after the match is finished.

Glad to see that you find this story interesting. This makes me more motivated to continue and write good stuff for you. :-)

The April report is now updated. Didn't lose any points :-)

De Lanlay returns into action

After suffering two injuries in the beggining of the season, Viking's young winger Yann-Erik de Lanlay finally played a match again. He came in as a substitute in Viking's cup victory against Vindbjart. 'It was great to finally recover from the injuries, and play again.' he said in an interview with one of the bigger Norwegian newspapers.

Yann-Erik, nicknamed 'Yanni', broke his arm in pre-season, and was ruled out until April. When he was soon to return into action, he suffered yet another injury which held him back for three extra weeks.

However, the match will not be remembered for de Lanlay's return, but for Estonian striker Henri Anier's hat-trick.

Easy match expected for Viking in round 2 of the Cup

Viking will face Ålgård in the 2nd round of the Norwegian Cup. Ålgård currently plays in the 2nd Division, and should be an easy match for Viking.

Viking proceeded easily against Vindbjart in the 1st round, and Ålgård surprised everyone after beating 1st Division team Sarpsborg in the 1st round.

Lucky cup draw for Viking

The Norwegian FA today announced the 3rd round cup draw.

Viking had a lucky draw and will once again play against a 2nd Division side. This time they will play Nybergsund-Trysil. Viking should have no troubles against Nybergsund and shoud get through to the 4th round easily.

Nybergsund beat Korsvoll and Askim on their way to the 3rd round.

Brann - Viking re-arranged

Because of the 3rd round of the Cup, the match between Brann and Viking has been re-arranged. The new date is 6th June.

May update

We are moving on and we went through May unbeaten!

Match reports

Norwegian Cup 1st Round
Vindbjart 1 - 4 Viking
Anier
Ve. Berisha
Aase
Anier

The cup adventure has begun! First opponent: Vindbjart.

Vindbjart shocked everyone when Daniel Aase scored after just nine minutes. It took Viking 23 minutes to equalize with Henri Anier. Just a few minutes later, Anier scored once again to put Viking in front.

With 15 minutes left of a boring second half, Veton Berisha scored yet an other goal. Three minutes before full time, Anier got his truly deserved hat-trick to seal the victory for Viking.

With a hat-trick, there were no one who could argue with Anier being named as MotM.

Tippeligaen
Odd Grenland 1 - 4 Viking
Anier
Bertelsen
Ve. Berisha
Fevang (pen)
Anier

Back in the league, and once again my Estonian showed why he wants to play regulary.

After just five minutes an Odd Grenland player dived himself to a penalty. Skipper Morten Fevang was safe from the spot. Just three minutes later, Trond Erik Bertelsen scored a cracker which gave him a Goal of the Week award. In the 20th minute, Henri Anier sent Viking in the lead after a defensive mistake.

In the 71st minute Anier was at it again and scored from a corner. And Veton Berisha scored Viking's fourth after a great counter-attack.

With two new goals, Henri Anier once again was named MotM.

Viking 1 - 1 Tromsø
de Lanlay
Nystrøm
Frei

A tough match was up next against Tromsø which currently was on the place on top of me.

28 minutes into the match, Tromsø's Steffen Nystrøm struck a shot beautifully behind Rune Jarstein in the Viking goal. 6 minutes later, Viking equalized after a tap-in by Yann-Erik de Lanlay.

In the second half there were some chances for both teams, but no one were close to score.

With an assist and being a constant treath, loanee Kerim Frei was named MotM.

Norwegian Cup 2nd Round
Ålgård 1 - 2 Viking
Anier
Nielsen
Oyuga
Olsen

Viking didn't amaze anyone in the 2nd round of the cup, but did their job.

In the 19th minute, Henri Anier scored after a great corner from Trond Olsen. But just five minutes later, Paul Oyuga put the teams level again.

Viking didn't manage to score until the 82nd minute, when Morten Nielsen scored on yet an other corner from Olsen.

With two well struck corners, Trond Olsen was named MotM.

Tippeligaen
Viking 2 - 1 Hønefoss
Olsen
Frei
Hebsnes Olsen
Sigurdsson

Because of suspensions and injuries, the two youngsters Mikal Hebsnes Olsen and Adrian Mathiesen made their debuts for Viking.

After a boring first half with no great chances for any of the teams, the second half was a bit more interesting.

In the 53rd minute, Trond Olsen scored a diving header after a cross from centre back (!) Indridi Sigurdsson. In the 90th minute, Kerim Frei doubled the after a great run. Three minutes into the injury time, Hebsnes Olsen got unlucky and made an own goal on his debut.

With an assist and great defensive work, Indridi Sigurdsson was named MotM.

Stabæk 0 - 3 Viking
Ingelsten
Anier
Lædre Bjørdal

The Viking train kept on going an ran over Stabæk on their own pitch.

After 61 minutes, in-form player Henri Anier scored from a corner. Twenty minutes later, he was replaced by Patrik Ingelsten who just returned after an injury. Six minutes later, Ingelsten had scored two great goals and secured Viking's victory.

Johan Lædre Bjørdal was solid as a rock in defense and was therefore named MotM.

Norwegian Cup 3rd Round
Nybergsund-Trysil 0 - 4 Viking
Nevland
Ve. Berisha
Nevland

In the 3rd round, a club legend returned from injury with three bangs!

After 13 minutes, Erik Nevland cooly placed the ball past the keeper to give Viking a 1-0 lead. 11 minutes later Nevland scored an almost identical goal. 2-0. He secured his hat-trick just three minutes later with a goal in the nearest corner.

Veton Berisha scored Viking's fourth goal in the 89th minutes, once again by a corner.

With a hat-trick in his name, Erik Nevland was named MotM.

Viking will face either Vard Haugesund or Fredrikstad in the 4th Rond.

Table

Third place means Europa League quialification, so that's brilliant!

Upcoming fixtures in June

Tippeligaen
Brann - Viking
Aalesund - Viking

Norwegian Cup
Viking - Vard Haugesund/Fredrikstad

Match of the month
When Viking travels up to Bergen and Brann, "The Battle of the West" will take place. It is a very important match. Not only for the supporters, but also for the league. Brann is currently on top of the league, but Viking will be looking to close the gap.

How do you think this month will end up? Can we beat Brann and be crowned as "The Best in the West"?
Please comment :-)