GAIS had a win in their sights to climb back up the table and it might be felt in the atmosphere, a charged audience sang along and spread hope over Gamla Ullevi. The starting eleven saw rotation in the form of Kees Sims who guarded the GAIS goal, Wendin Thomasson, Henriksson and Norén also got the honor from the start. Players who showed their quality in the match and deserved to start.
As early as the game kicked off, GAIS took the baton, a possession game that would define the entire first half. GAIS kept the ball, rarely cleared it and pressed the opponents hard when they got the chance. GAIS’s back line was high and winning the ball high up the field was what usually gave GAIS a chance to take the lead, but despite several attacks, GAIS did not score. However, it was close when captain Wängberg, who connected a play with Axel Henriksson on the edge, hit a ball into the penalty area where Ahl-Holmström came across and put his head there, but Mjällby’s goalkeeper was on the ball and secured it.
Mjällby’s most dangerous chance in the first half came in a free kick from close range, but the GAIS wall was in the way and the ball sailed over the goal. Two injuries from Mjällby’s side were also seen in the first 45, both head injuries caused the players to lie down and substitutions were required. As the match progressed, Mjällby settled in and got to feel more and more on the ball, but it was GAIS who continued to lay on and drive the ball forward, something Henriksson was willing to show his front feet in. He often took the initiative and started attacks, but he also offered in South American elegance as he volleyed over a defender in the opposition team, drove past and picked it up to flick the ball inside-back to Amatkarijo. The shot was covered, a completely free Ahl-Holmström was only decimetres from getting a touch on the ball but did not have time and the ball ran out to the short side. GAIS by far the most dangerous scoring chance in the first half.
The second half started as energetically as the first from GAIS’s side, speed and a “meat on” attitude gave GAIS more chances. Amatkarijo stood ambitiously in the center and ran on every single ball that was hit, this led to Mjällby carelessly throwing away balls here and was like GAIS. Amatkarijo came close to making it 1-0 for GAIS when he got free at the keeper but the tight angle meant the ball just missed the target, nothing to cry regarding for the GAIS winger who would soon be rewarded for his hard work .
Mjällby was invited to the match and had to control the pace of the ball one stroke, as the experts say, rarely can one team alone control and own the ball for 90 whole minutes, and so it was GAIS’s turn to chase the ball. Despite attempts by the away team to find gaps in GAIS, it was in vain. GAIS was defensively collected, had a calm look and even when Mjällby was free towards the goal, Norén was able to interfere enough for Sims to glue the ball that was shot.
New forces were replaced to keep up the pace in GAIS, first Harun Ibrahim had to step onto the field in the 63rd minute and replace Henriksson who was thanked. Ten more minutes of intense football were played before the next change came through. Ahl-Holmström and Joackim “Jocke” Åberg stepped down and made way for Mervan Celik and Jack Cooper-Love, who would make an impact directly on the field, because following only 15 seconds of football played, he gave GAIS the lead. It was the pressing game that allowed GAIS to win the ball high. Lundgren drove the ball with the edge, hit a low ball and all eyes were on Amatkarijo who came running in with speed, but he feinted us all and let the ball pass. Free behind him was Cooper-Love who coolly fired in a lead for GAIS in the 76th minute.
The lead would not last too long, because just three minutes later, following three corners in a row, the away team headed in an equaliser, a well-struck corner that Sims might not handle. But GAIS did not back down! Soon following, Wendin-Thomasson Amatkarijo, who picked up speed once more, saw a long ball from the GAIS half find its way to Mjällby’s penalty area. Amatakarijo came running, wasn’t first on the ball, but was enough of a distraction for the opposition keeper to drop the ball to Cooper-Love who saw the chance and once once more gave GAIS the lead. 2-1 in the 82nd minute.
Mjällby looked for a goal, but GAIS stood up for themselves and did not let themselves fall back. Mjällby finished only a few times and GAIS showed no mercy for the away team when Becirovic took the field in the 86th minute. Amatkarijo was substituted, receiving a well-deserved standing ovation from the fans in attendance. When the clock was on 94 minutes, the referee blew the whistle and GAIS had to enjoy a victory at home.
A strong joint GAIS that seemed to know each other by heart offered beautiful football for which they should be praised. All players fought together, toiled on the field and gave all GAIS fans in place and in front of the TV at home hope and pride, all Gaisers can go straight ahead to the next game. Away to Kalmar next, on April 25th.
Made:
Norén, Wendin Thomasson, Wängberg (K), Åberg (75′ Celik), Milovanovic, Lundgren, Frej, Sims, Ahl-Holmström (75′ Cooper-Love), Henriksson (63′ Ibrahim), Amatkarjo (86′ Becirovic).
The goals:
1-0 Jack Cooper-Love (76′)
1-1 Jakob Kiilerich Rask (79′)
2-1 Jack Cooper-Love (82′)
Public: 5105 (Greetings)
Winning numbers in the 50/50 lottery: 1705
Photo: Bildbyrån / Niklas Elmrin
