Ljungskile SK 1-1 Syrianska FC

Ljungskile - Skenderovic scored a last-gasp equaliser to cancel out Smedberg's first-half opener as Milller kept Syrianska FC in the game in Sunday evening's thrilling clash at Starke Arvid’s arena.

Melkemichel had a couple of injuries and suspended players which forced him to through in a different lineup. The coach started with Dinko Felic up front, with Hagernäs and Massi flanked by Kanga, Barsom and Vunk in midfield. Dwayne Miller continued in goal behind a back four of Özdemirok, Elia, Skenderovic and Demir.

Syrianska FC struggled through the whole first half as Ljungskile effectively stopped every attempt from the "Suryoye" to create something. Ljungskile were always on the right positions and the frustration from the hosts was seen on the pitch by forcing Syrianska FC to play on long range balls. Many fans who had taken the bus trip all the way to Ljungskile had never seen the aramean eagles play so confusing and without any plan.
The home team always attacked from the right and left wing. Durmaz was always a threat for the "Suryoye” on the right side. Unfortunately the Ljungskile dominance would be rewarded. In the 36th minute, Barsom loses the ball in the middle to Erik Nilsson, who gives the ball to Michel Thomas who in turn finds the Ljungskile captain Smedberg which made no mistake and his third goal of the season.

Ljungskile had a couple of chances in the first half which could increase the lead for the home team but the Syrianska FC keeper Miller became a living wall. Syrianska FC had to wait until the second half for their first shot on goal.

In half time Melkemichel replaced Vunk with Ijeh, switching to 4-4-2 instead of a 4-5-1 lineup. Syrianska FC came out and Massi had his first shot on target but the Ljungskile keeper had no difficulties grabbing the ball. Ljungskile made it still hard for Syrianska FC and was a couple of times really close to make it two- nil up. Miller made a couple of terrific saves. A stunning long-range drive by Smedberg forced a good save from Miller. Even Kitic tested Miller from 20 meters and Ljungskile came close to a second but Dwayne Miller blocked the shoot.

The "Suryoye" were limited to counter-attacks and chances from free kicks but failed to capitalise as Ijeh and Hagernäs both sent shots wide.

Melkemichel threw on Bååth for Hagernäs and Semir Mete for Kanga as Syrianska FC continued to enjoy the run of play. In deep added time Syrianska FC threw everything in front and Semir Mete had a great chance to equalize, but his shot inside the penalty area went wide. That seemed to be the games last chance, but there was still a minute left to play of the game.

Syrianska FC's efforts paid off in the 92nd minute when Skenderovic crashed in a header from a Barsom cross to bring a hard point back to Södertälje.

Ljungskile SK 1-1 Syrianska FC (HT: 1-0)


Text: Emanuel Yacoub