– Damn it – the last three weeks have been tiring. But we managed to win the match, even though we were a long way from where we should be, says John Arne Riise to Haugesund’s Avis after the match was over. It was win or lose for Avaldsnes in the Toppserien when they took on Øvrevoll Hosle for the last qualifying match at Avaldsnes sports centre. In the first qualifying match between Avaldsnes and Øvrevoll Hosle in Bærum at the beginning of November, the result was 1–1. Thus, the teams were the same distance before the return match on Saturday at Avaldsnes. Avaldsnes have played in the Toppserien for 10 seasons, while Øvrevoll Hosle hoped that they would finally move up to the top division after 11 years in the second top division. Avaldsnes got off to a good start in the first half. After just under eight minutes, Giovanna dos Santos scored 1-0 to Avaldsnes. And that in his first game for the team. Avaldsnes Trine Øritzland against Øvrevoll Hosle’s player Celine Larsen. Photo: Jan Kåre Ness / NTB Public Record A couple of minutes earlier, Øvrevoll Hosle had almost taken the lead. Goalkeeper Siri Ervik in Avaldsnes fell after a reverse play, but just managed to get up to prevent Øvrevoll Hosle from scoring a goal. After 42 minutes of play, it was almost 2-0 to Avaldsnes, but Ida Mortensen Natvik just couldn’t reach the post from Selma Løvås. – It has been an open football match. Øvrevoll Hosle has played well, says coach for Avaldsnes John Arne Riise after the first half. The course is hard and smooth and demanding to play on. An audience record was set at Avaldsnes with over 1,200 spectators. The previous record was in the match against Rosenborg in May, where 1023 spectators came. In the second half, Øvrevoll Hosle equalized through Celine Larsen and it was 1-1. That was the final result after the regular match. Thus, it was ready for extra innings. The Avaldsnes players cheered after the 2–1 goal. Photo: Jan Kåre Ness / NTB In the second extra period, the second goal finally came for Avaldsnes. Kaja Olsen scored the 2-1 goal for Avaldsnes, Thus the place was saved Proud history After two seasons at the second highest level, Avaldsnes moved up to the Toppserien in 2012. With a local investor who invested heavily in the team, the team surprised the team and finished fourth in his first season at the top level. In addition, they made it to a cup final that year. The club stuck to the top and won its first medal in 2015. The following year the team played in the Champions League, and had a visit from Lyon with Ada Hegerberg in the lead, at Karmøy. However, the highlight came in 2017, when Avaldsnes beat Vålerenga in the cup final and won their first trophy.
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Avaldsnes saved the place in the Toppserien – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
