Rosenborg - Molde 1-1
By Håvard Lindheim, 14 June 2005, 11:43
May 22nd: Rosenborg fell apart when Per Ciljan Skjelbred was sent off, and hence, yet another game without a win.
A SEARCH IN VAIN: Rune Skarsfjord and Per Joar Hansen just couldn't find three points in the sun this nice spring evening.
Photo: Thomas Myren
RBK did a fair first half. The home team didn't create much, but for once, they were effective: After 37 minutes, a ball was sent forward to Roar Strand on 20-25 metres. The newly appointed captain let the bal bounce a couple of times before hammering away with his left foot. The half volley got a nice bend above Molde goalkeeper Lars Iver Moldskred and passed under the crossbar.
After that, things got worse for RBK. Merely three minutes later, Per Ciljan Skjelbred was sent off after having received his second yellow card when he, as the last defender, pulled Kai Røberg down.
"The booking was deserved. He came in front of me, and I held him back," a humble Skjelbred admitted after having gotten the first red card of his carreer.
The second yellow card was indeed deserved, but one can question the first: Referee Brage Sandmoen was very strict when flipping out the yellow card when the 17-year old was a bit tough in a duel with keeper Moldskred. A verbal warning would have been more suitable. Perhaps Sandmoen was afraid of being a "home referee"?
During the break, Per Joar Hansen decided to go for a 3-5-1 formation with Strand and Ståle Stensaas wide - as oldfashioned wing backs, Frode Johnsen as central midfielder and Thorstein Helstad as a lone forward. That was a tactical mistake.
"Some players got tired throughout the second half. They just couldn't move their feet fast enough in the defense, and we fall back way too deep. 3-5-1 became 5-3-1, and Thorstein was left very lonely in front," Perry analyzed after the game.
As a result, Molde was let into the game, and thanked for the gift by setting in 1-1 by a header from Rob Friend, 15 minutes before time. Rosenborg tried a final push for victory, without success.
Hence, RBK is ten points behind league leader Start. Luckily, both Brann and Vålerenga lost.
