Start threaten Vålerenga's title dream

Four games remain in the Norwegian Premier Division, with the race for the title perfectly poised. IK Start's 3-0 defeat of league leaders Vålerenga IF saw them move level on 44 points at the summit, but ahead on goal difference by a solitary goal.

Start surge
Vålerenga went into the game in Kristiansand knowing that anything but defeat would see them hold the title initiative going into the closing weeks of the campaign. However, a youthful and exuberant Start had other ideas, overwhelming their opponents in the first half, and claiming two goals for their endeavours through an Alex Valencia header and a Amund Skiri own goal. Fredrik Strømstad made the game safe early in the second period, and a Vålerenga side that has also had UEFA Cup and Norwegian Cup games to contend with, had no answer.

Rekdal unhappy
"Start deserved their win here," said Vålerenga coach Kjetil Rekdal. "They ran us out of the game, and could have won by more. If we continue to play like this, Start will be favourites to take the championship. But our schedule has been too hectic. My players have not got enough time to recuperate between matches."

Viking slip
The race for third place and a UEFA Cup berth is just as tense. SFK Lyn Oslo are currently in possession of that position after a 1-0 win against SK Brann, though any slip-up now could allow either Lillestrøm SK or Viking FK to take advantage as they are also on 37 points. Viking were the previous third-place incumbents, but two straight defeats against Odd Grenland and Ham-Kam Fotball have seen them slide to fifth. However, with twelve points still to play for, Viking coach Roy Hodgson is still upbeat. "Nothing is decided yet," he said. "It is up to us simply to take more points than our rivals."

Rosenborg hope
The biggest story of the Norwegian season, though, continues to surround UEFA Champions League hopefuls Rosenborg's astounding fight against relegation. Despite winning 13 consecutive league championships, the title holders have slipped to as low as twelfth - the relegation play-off position - in recent weeks. However, a first win for new coach Per-Mathias Høgmo since taking charge in August - a comprehensive 6-0 triumph against an in-form Odd side - has seen them rise to ninth, though they remain just a point away from the drop-zone.