Back home in Sweden again and a very local match for me this evening involving Hossmo BK, about 8 km south of Kalmar, and Hovmantorp GoIF from near Växjö. Hossmo Bollklubb were founded in 1939 and have spent most of their time in the lower leagues of the region. However in recent years they have moved up a gear and are at present in tier 6 of the Swedish pyramid, Division 4 south-east Småland. Both teams have had mixed starts to the season: after six games Hossmo have 9 points and Hovmantorp have 8 points.
Like most clubs here Hossmo have teams at all levels for both boys and girls (20 teams in all from age 7 to 17) plus the men's team with about 400 active players and over 700 club members.
The ground
A tidy and picturesque ground with trees and fencing on three sides. All facilities are on one side with a clubhouse, kiosk, changing rooms and a wooden uncovered stand. Behind that they have an impressive sports complete with two more pitches with lights. It all gives the impression of a well-run club. Nice to get a match programme for a change, basic but all the important information like line-ups and league table.
Although the crowd was lower than last time I was here there was a small group of lads behind the goal with two banners tied to the fence. They were probably the quietest and calmest ultras I have seen but nice to show support at least. The main reason for the low crowd was probably the fact that Sweden were playing Latvia in the ice-hockey world championships quarter final this evening!
Today's match was also graced with a TV van and camera from the local newspaper who stream matches for subscribers. I wonder how many sat at home and watched.
Great value for 30 kronor (£2.25) for seniors (50 kr for adults).
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| Training pitches |
The match
Hossmo BK 0 Hovmantorp GoIF 2
Crowd count: 80
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| Hossmo in white and red, Hovmantorp in blue |
A deserved away victory in the end although there were chances at both ends. The guests simply looked sharper up front and were dangerous on the break. Hossmo had the first chance though with a long shot from outside the box by Isak Olsson that hit the bar. A couple of centimetres lower and the game might have developed differently. Instead Hovmantorp took the lead three minutes later when an unmarked Isac Bejrum nodded in from a few metres range. Hossmo tried to get level with creative midfielder Isac Ilhammar looking the pick of the team but they just couldn't make a breakthrough and the away defence was tight.
The second half started with the home team trying to create an opening but the guests looking more dangerous when they counter attacked. On one occasion the dangerous Klas Albinsson broke free and forced a good block from the home keeper. Hossmo's Isac Ilhammar struck a nice free kick straight at the keeper but the guests broke from there and from well outside the box Klas Albinsson struck a cracking drive into the top right corner of the goal to seal it for Hovmantorp.
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