Molde seal courageous cup win
Monday, November 7, 2005
Article summary
Molde FK produced a battling display, defeating Lillestrøm SK 4-2, to win Sunday's Norwegian Cup final and claim a UEFA Cup place.
Article body
Morale boost
As well as providing welcome silverware and a route into Europe, Molde’s victory on Sunday gives them a morale boost ahead of their relegation play-off with Moss FK over two legs on 13 and 19 November. It was also the first time they had lifted the trophy since 1994.
Molde pegged back
Molde went ahead through Canadian forward Rob Friend’s 25th-minute strike before Khaled Mouelhi hit back for Lillestrøm just 25 seconds into the second half. Senegalese striker Madio Konate then headed Molde back in front but with 90 minutes on the clock Arild Sundgot converted from the penalty spot to force extra time.
Resistance ended
Despite the late setback, Molde retained their composure, and four minutes into extra time Daniel Berg scored from close range before John Andreas Husøy's 108th-minute effort secured victory. Molde are next in action when they travel to Moss next Sunday for the first leg of their play-off for a place in the 2006 Tippeligaen.
