GIF Sundsvall and Helsingborgs played out a 1-1 draw at NP3 Arena on Saturday afternoon, a result that extends Sundsvall's winless run and gives Helsingborgs a point away from home in the Superettan's regular season round 19.
The first half showed Sundsvall pressing forward with purpose, though they never quite found the breakthrough. D. Amadou picked up a yellow card on 45-plus-three minutes as the half drew to a close, and there were substitutions for J. Larsson on both 46 and 48 minutes — or at least that is what the record shows, which is a bit unusual but I am not one to second-guess the official data.
By then the match had settled into a rhythm. D. N'Diaye went off on 63 minutes after receiving a booking on 54, replaced by M. Svensson. Sundsvall were the busier side with 82 attacks to Helsingborgs' 65, and they registered eight shots on target against five, though possession sat at even splits of half-and-half.
And here's the thing about this game — the goals came late. A. Johansson gave Sundsvall the lead on 76 minutes, and it looked like they might hold on. But E. Hansson equalised for Helsingborgs in the 90th, and then another goal arrived at 90-plus-seven, though the scorer was not recorded in the data provided.
Match statistics:
- GIF Sundsvall: 82 attacks, 6 corners, 15 shots off target, 8 shots on target, 0 offsides, 33 throw-ins, 1 yellow card
- Helsingborgs: 65 attacks, 5 corners, 8 shots off target, 5 shots on target, 1 offside, 16 throw-ins, 3 yellow cards
To be fair, Sundsvall's statistics suggest they created more chances, with 15 shots off target alone. They were overrun in midfield in terms of territory, but the conversion rate was poor. Helsingborgs were more efficient with their limited opportunities, even if they did not dominate possession.
The result leaves Sundsvall in 16th place with 16 points from 22 games — five wins, one draw, 16 losses. They have not won since. Helsingborgs sit 10th with 26 points, seven wins and five draws. The draw brought them together early in terms of momentum, but neither side can claim this was a statement victory.