Raufoss played host to Strømsgodset in the First Division regular season on Saturday, losing 0-2 at Nammo Stadion. The result leaves the hosts rooted to 16th place with 19 points from 22 games, while Strømsgodset move further clear in third with 45 points.
We had tipped the visitors to win with 67 per cent confidence, and they delivered. The match opened quietly enough, with Raufoss midfielder M. Aanesland picking up a yellow card in the 11th minute for a challenge that looked avoidable. Strømsgodset began to assert themselves, and it showed at the break: E. Melkersen headed home just before the interval, in the 45th minute plus one.
And here's the thing — the second half started with a double change from Strømsgodset, bringing on E. Ingebrethsen and N. Fremstad. The visitors didn't need long to extend their lead. Melkersen struck again in the 57th minute, finishing a move that Raufoss failed to close down properly. The hosts had already made their substitution, replacing Aanesland in the 62nd minute, but momentum had shifted.
By then Raufoss were under pressure, and the situation worsened. L. Vilsvik came on for Strømsgodset in the 66th minute, and Melkersen was replaced moments later. U. Danbolt was booked in the 71st minute, while H. Holter followed suit in the 82nd. The home side was running out of ideas.
The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute when K. Antonsen was shown a red card. Raufoss had nothing to offer after that, and Strømsgodset simply managed the game. R. Zekhnini earned a yellow card in the 86th minute, and the visitors brought on M. Larsen and F. P. Vilaseca Ardraa in the final minutes.
The result confirms what the table already suggested. Strømsgodset have won 13 of their 22 matches this season, while Raufoss have managed just six victories and sit 26 points behind their hosts. A tough day at the stadium, but one that follows a pattern we have seen before.