A short drive from home this time to see a match in the regional Division 6 Kalmar/Öland, the eighth tier in the Swedish pyramid. The home team, Trekantens IF, were formed back in 1907 and as with most clubs have teams for all ages as well as senior men's and women's teams. The men's senior team dropped out of the league briefly a few years ago but made a welcome comeback last season. They've started this season quite well with two wins and a draw
The visitors this evening, Degerhamns IF, come from a village in the south-west of the long Baltic island of Öland. The village is most famous for its cement works, now closed, and although the area is beautiful and one of the best areas for birdwatching in the country it's very quiet and there are not so many jobs there. The team have had the unenviable reputation of being one of the worst in the Swedish league structure in recent years with no points at all last season and some pretty embarrassing scores (only 8 goals scored and 99 conceded). They too dropped out of the league a few years ago but returned for the 2021 season. What I love about them is that they are still going even if it must be hard to find players. I've seen them a few times now including one match at their lovely ground where I actually saw them score. I'm looking forward to seeing if they have made some progress and they have already won a match.
The ground
Set among quiet streets of suburban bungalows, Åvallen is a pleasant ground with a tidy blue and white clubhouse with a matching kiosk, entrance gate and benches. On the clubhouse side there is a simply wooden stand with three rows to sit on as well as benches and picnic tables. The far side has the dugouts and beyond that a second pitch where they played last time I saw them. Even the reserve pitch has some benches to sit on.
The kiosk offers a bit more choice compared to grounds way above them - toasties and tea for example!
The match
Trekantens IF 2 Degerhamns IF 2
Crowd count: 75
A very enjoyable game and a fair result in my opinion. Trekanten had more of the possession but couldn't quite capitalise. I was pleasantly surprised by Degerhamn who have a very promising squad this year and who looked far ahead of the last two seasons. Many young lads but they worked hard and won a point with virtually the last kick of the match. They certainly shouldn't finish bottom again if they keep playing like they did today.
The home side started well and looked as if they would score on several occasions. Then in a rare breakaway by Degerhamn a pass from the left was struck beautifully into the net by Hampus Andersson to the delight of the travelling supporters, about 15 of them. He played very well all match and worked well with fellow striker Morgan Magnusson. Trekanten continued to press but amazingly went in at half time still a goal down. The second half saw the away side gaining in confidence up front and they had some promising moves but didn't threaten much. Trekanten needed a goal and in the 69th minute they finally got their reward with a cracking volley from the edge of the box by Eric Bergzén.
Trekanten then took the lead from close range but I didn't note who scored it, possibly Alfred Andersson. It looked all over but in the 92nd minute the away team equalised with a lovely through ball slotted home by Morgan Magnusson.
I enjoyed this one and even if you can't expect too many silky skills at this level both sides played some good football. The temperature was less chilly than pevious mid week evenings this year though I was forced to get the gloves out in the second half.
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