Start setting the pace

By Eivind Aarre

Newly-promoted IK Start from Kristiansand continue to lead the Norwegian Premier Division after the first third of the season, and the question everyone is asking is: "Will Start last?"

Hæstad reward
The team have certainly lived up to their name with a great opening to the campaign, but the doubters insist their squad is too thin and too inexperienced. Relative youth doesn't seem to affect Kristoffer Hæstad, though. The 21-year-old central midfielder has arguably been the league's best player, winning a place in the Norway lineup for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Italy as a reward.

Hareide impressed
"Kristoffer has impressed me, and he didn't disappoint against Italy," said national coach Åge Hareide after the goalless draw on 4 June. The pundits were won over too, nominating Hæstad as their man of the match for his ball-winning qualities.

Vålerenga draw
Vålerenga IF are Start's main challengers, sitting three points behind at the top, but could only manage a 1-1 home draw with their rivals on 30 May. Vålerenga's Morten Berre continued his rich goalscoring form to cancel out Marius Johnsen's opener.

Brattbakk record
Rosenborg BK, chasing a world record-equalling 14th straight title, have struggled to find their rhythm, but seemed to be back to their best when trouncing bottom team Odd Grenland 5-0 away on 29 May. Harald Martin Brattbakk made history when he scored the fifth from the penalty spot, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Norway's top flight with 160 goals.

Mark passed
Brattbakk, who had been level with Petter Belsvik on 159 for some time, said: "I am proud to achieve this record, but my biggest aim is to continue winning trophies with Rosenborg, hopefully scoring more goals along the way."

Corner turned?
Rosenborg coach Per Joar Hansen had been under pressure after a string of disappointing results and they are still only eighth, trailing Start by eight points. But Hansen hopes to build on the Odd game and get back to what the club is known for - winning.