Saturday’s match between SK Rival and Smøla IL had high stakes, as only one team could earn a promotion to the 5th division.

SK Rival, which features many students from Høgskolen i Molde, entered the match having only lost one game this season. Their full results table can be found here:

http://www.fotball.no/fotballdata/Lag/Hjem/?fiksId=44

Going into this game, SK Rival and Smøla IL both had a chance at promotion, but Rival won 4/3 in the previous meeting between the two. This meant that Smøla needed a victory by two goals to win or by one goal to take the match into overtime.

The home team, Rival, came out aggressive and efficient. Johan Gjerdseth, Sindre Loug, and Aksel Baugre all found the back of the net in the first half. Anders Vatle commented on his team’s aggression:

«We’re a very offensive team. I’m a right back, but I’m always up.»

Smøla managed one tap-in amidst chaos to join Rival on the scoreboard, leaving the half time score at 3/1.

The second half featured a swing of momentum. Smøla mounted a great comeback effort in the second half, but only one of their three goals was deemed to be onside. If they had all counted, the aggregate goals would have been tied and overtime would have been needed. Instead, Rival won the game 3/2, and subsequently won the league. They will be aiming to continue their success in the 5th division next year.