FC Helsingør made the long trip to Haderslev in Southern Jutland this evening to face Sønderjyske in the NordicBet League's 5 round. Sønderjyske have started the NordicBet League with 4 wins in 4 matches and with a goal difference of 13-3. So beforehand, a tough match was expected against the league's number 1 and at the same time on a difficult away pitch.
From the start of the match, Sønderjyske tried to take control of the game and were also more in possession. In the opening phase Sønderjyske push the FC Helsingør players back on the pitch, but the visitors withstand the pressure. It becomes a couple of corners for Sønderjyske, though without it becoming truly dangerous. Instead, it is precisely after a corner that FC Helsingør catch Sønderjyske in a counterattack. The ball is won back in our own half and Liam Jordan drives the ball 60-70 meters forward and keeps up the pace toward the Sønderjyske goal. No one closes him down, so Liam Jordan himself shoots hard and low along the ground and the ball whistles in tight by the near post. 0-1 after 10 minutes of play. FC Helsingør continue with fine combination play and in the 18th minute, Mathias Brems is sent away on the left wing. Brems plays the cross flat and precise to the far area of the box, where Alexander Lyng appears and throws himself down to send the ball into the net for 0-2. After the 0-2 goal, Sønderjyske try again to apply pressure on FC Helsingør, but the visitors withstand it well. After 33 minutes of play, Frederik Helstrup sends a long ball toward Sønderjyske's defense. Callum McCowatt heads it on to Liam Jordan, who takes a smart touch into the box. He has the chance to shoot himself, but very unselfishly chooses to find a completely free Alexander Lyng across the box. Lyng slides into the ball and can safely send it into the net for 0-3. In the remaining minutes of the 1th half, Sønderjyske have a couple of fine chances, including a shot that just misses the goal. We go into halftime with the score at 0-3.
From the start of the 2nd half, Sønderjyske come storming toward FC Helsingør's goal, but the Helsingør side withstand the pressure well. Instead, FC Helsingør strike at the other end after a free kick. Frederik Juul goes to the ball and sends a millimeter-precise cross into the box, where Mikkel Knudsen rises and heads the ball beautifully into the goal via the crossbar. 0-4 after 48 minutes of play. FC Helsingør are completely in control in this phase of the match and play vibrant and entertaining football. Liam Jordan receives the ball almost on the byline and cleverly plays it with his heel diagonally backward, where Callum McCowatt shoots toward the far corner. But unfortunately he overhits the shot, which goes just wide of the far post. Shortly after, Liam Jordan takes the chance with a shot from the edge of the box. The ball smashes against the crossbar and goes out for a goal kick. The game then settles and there are no major chances in this period of the match. The next chance goes to Sønderjyske, as a cross in the 78th minute is headed onto the crossbar. A couple of minutes later, there is a scramble in FC Helsingør's penalty area and the ball ends up somewhat luckily with Sønderjyske's Marc Dal Hende. He does not get a proper touch on the ball, though, and goalkeeper Mandé in the FC Helsingør goal can safely save. In the remaining 10 minutes of the match FC Helsingør are in full control. Sønderjyske are allowed to run while FC Helsingør let the ball do the work. The match ends with a comfortable 0-4 victory and takes all 3 points home to Helsingør.
The next match is at home and already on Friday the 19. August at 19.00. Helsingør Stadion sets the scene for the NordicBet League's 6 round, where FC Helsingør meet Fremad Amager.
Photos: Svend Anker Iversen
