Rosenborg - Start 3-0
By Håvard Lindheim, 14 June 2005, 11:42
May 5th: Rosenborg ran over league leader Start at Lerkendal.
THE 2-0 GOAL: Rune Nilssen had no chance of saving the penalty from Helstad.
Photo: Thomas Myren
Start came to Trondheim, reigning the table, but apart from a couple of shots - included one hitting the crossbar at 2-0 - they had no chance against a Rosenborg hungry for victory.
In advance it was much talk of the RBK team. Disturbingly, four of the central defenders were out: Erik Hoftun suffered a quaranteen from yellow cards, Vidar Riseth had a troublesome achilles, Bjørn Tore Kvarme had inguinal problems and Miika Koppinen was ill. As a result, Frode Johnsen and Christer Basma had to step in.
On the midfield, Ørjan Berg was missing, having gotten his elbow dislocated against Lillestrøm. Everyone counted Fredrik Winsnes as a natural replacement, but Per Joar Hansen was more inventive: He let Per Ciljan Skjelbred in, into what became the 17-year old's very first league game from the start.
"Per has shown quality throughout the winter," Hansen explained.
The young running midfielder stood up from second one with great touches, precise passes and good runs, offensively as well as defensively. Skjelbred's efforts inspired his team mates, and suddenly, the guts and the spirit was back into the team.
RBK were in total control before the break, but both players and the spectators had to wait almost a full half before the satisfying 1-0 goal came: Roar Strand struck with his left foot from 20 meters, and the ball swooshed into the net. Great!
The second half had just started when 2-0 came. Daniel Braaten was clipped down by Marius Johnsen down by the goal line. Completely unneccessary, as Braaten wasn't in a dangerous position, but all the more pleasant as RBK was awarded a penalty. Thorstein Helstad was Mr. Safety from the 11 meter spot, and put the ball in at the left post.
Braaten and Helstad also made the 3-0 goal. This time, Braaten played Helstad free in front of the goal. Today's center forward shot the ball controlled into the net.
"This was good for Thorstein. He didn't score when given the chance during the winter, but today they came," Perry said, who was happy for the three goals after just two scored during the past four games.
"We knew it was just a matter of time before we started scoring again. It has been a matter of coincidence that we haven't gotten any goals lately," Hansen said.
