Sweden round-up: IFK pull away

IFK Göteborg finally managed a win to pull clear of the relegation places as three Allsvenskan strugglers battled against the odds last night.

Quick mark
Injury-plagued IFK, without a win in their last eight games, brought in young defender Dennis Jonsson for the match against fierce rivals AIK Solna. And he made his mark after just 12 minutes, heading a goal from a Kabba Samuras cross.

Vital win
Roger Gustafsson's side showed plenty of fighting spirit and, ten minutes into the second half, Johan Henriksson received the ball inside the box and blasted the ball past AIK goalkeeper Daniel Andersson. Despite some late pressure, IFK got the vital win to pull clear of the Allsvenksan relegation places. Jonsson said: "This is exactly what the doctor ordered and we hope to continue this trend."

Slow start
Next up for IFK are struggling Halmstads BK, who managed an impressive 2-2 draw against Helsingborgs IF at Örjans Vall. Halmstad, who were hoping to build on a run of five games without a defeat, started badly and allowed Mattias Lindström to strike just before the half-hour. Two minutes later, Alvaro was awarded a controversial penalty which the Brazilian slotted into the net himself to take his season's tally to 15.

Late break
Jonas Thern's side rallied in the second half and man of the match Magnus Svensson quickly set up Robert Andersson, who comfortably beat Helsingborg goalkeeper Larsson. With just six minutes left, Larsson lost control of the ball under pressure from powerhouse striker Pascal Simpson and substitute Sharbel Touma made no mistake from close in. Despite the draw, Halmstad dropped a place into a relegation play-off spot, while Helsingborg stayed in fourth.

Early Elfsborg
IF Elfsborg, another team at the wrong end of the table, enjoyed an unlikely victory against highflying Örgryte IS, who desperately needed a win to keep their title dreams alive. But Örgryte were left paralysed after Elfsborg struck twice from corners during the first four minutes of the game.

Young lions
Örgryte pushed forward in the second half, but the home side's young, energetic midfield battled for everything. Indeed, had it not been for some brilliant reflex saves from Örgryte goalkeeper Dick Last, Elfsborg would have scored more goals. A late consolation goal by Paulhinho was not enough for Örgryte, whose dreams of the title are starting to falter after two consecutive defeats.