Godset crush Haugesund 5-0 to seize top spot

Strømsgodset thrashed Haugesund 5-0 at Marienlyst on Sunday, taking over first place in the league with three games left. A season-best crowd of 6,064 watched five different scorers deliver a statement win in the promotion race.

A fast start, and no way back for Haugesund

Strømsgodset needed only eight minutes to take control of the promotion showdown. Elias Melkersen tested the keeper from range, and Kent-Are Antonsen was on hand to put away the rebound for 1-0.

The lead doubled in the 28th minute. Sebastian Pingel, the league's big scorer, rose to head in the second just before the half-hour mark. Gustav Valsvik then towered above the defence at a corner and nodded in the third in the 43rd minute. The hosts went into the break 3-0 up.

Haugesund, who came to Drammen as league leaders, struggled to create anything going forward.

Melkersen and Stengel finish the job

The second half brought no relief for the visitors. Seven minutes after the restart, Melkersen added the fourth, his 15th league goal of the season. The TV 2 commentator reacted by saying that nobody wants to be a guest at Marienlyst.

Herman Stengel then completed the scoring five minutes from time. The midfielder's delivery from a free-kick found its way all the way into the net to make it 5-0. Five different players scored on the afternoon.

The result is Godset's sixth win in a row under head coach Magne Hoseth. It also follows the 5-1 win over Kongsvinger in midweek, so the team has scored ten goals in two home matches in five days.

Marienlyst packed for a season-best crowd

The crowd was a big part of the day. A total of 6,064 spectators came to Marienlyst, which local outlet DRM24 described as the best attendance of the year by a good margin. The DT podcast described the atmosphere as a party, with the whole stadium on its feet cheering on the dark blues.

The podcast also praised the partnership between Victor Dedes and Fredrik Ardraa in midfield. It said Hoseth is receiving enormous credit for the way the team plays.

Top of the table with three games left

The win sends Strømsgodset to the top of the league on 60 points after 27 matches. Kongsvinger and Haugesund both have 59 points, so the promotion race remains tight. Stabæk are fourth on 52.

With three matches left, Godset have a real chance of a direct return to the Eliteserien. Local media have already spoken of the club having one foot and four toes in the top flight. The players will know, however, that the margin is a single point and that nothing is settled yet.

The next chance to add to the total comes at Marienlyst on 1 November. Strømsgodset host Moss in a match that kicks off at 17:00. After the last two performances in front of their own supporters, Godset fans will expect another big occasion.

Sources: dagbladet.no, tv2.no, nrk.no, drm24.no, dt.no