Syrianska FC 1-0 Väsby IK

Södertälje - Peter Ijeh scored in the end of the second half as Syrianska FC battled hard for a victory over Väsby IK that keeps the "Suryoye" only three points of Degerfors at the top of the Superettan table.

But more importantly, Melkemichel kept faith in Rabi Elia as defender after the impressive play against Jönköping in midweek and made two changes to the team that won with 1-0. Bringing in Imad Zatara after being sent on loan, and Joachim Hagernäs after Besim Kunic unfortunately had to get off the pitch through injury in the beginning of the first half.

Syrianska FC attacked their old opponents from the outset and Zatara delivered plenty of crosses from the right, the best chance of the opening period falling to Massi who dragged his shot wide. Väsby IK had a couple of shots from outside the penalty area but the shots were quite easily blocked by the Syrianska FC keeper, Milller.
Much of the first half was marked by poor distribution, poorer individual defending, and even worse finishing. The normally precise distributors Denis Velic and Massi were uncharacteristically wayward in their passing. At the end of the first half, Syrianska FC was surely disappointed not to have taken the lead, but could be pleased with the result. Väsby, by contrast, were surely let down by their lack of clear chances on goal.

It was more Syrianska FC than Väsby IK in the second half and Velic was unlucky not to score, first testing Thomas Thudin with a crisp low shot from Barsom's cross and then shaving the post with a splendid swerve shot from distance. Seconds later, in the 75 minute referee made a game-changing decision. Following a cross sent by Hagernäs, the referee awarded Syrianska FC a penalty after a Väsby player dragged down Ijeh. The Syrianska FC defender Rabi Elia stepped up to the spot, but had his kick saved by the Väsby keeper in the lower-left corner of goal.

Ten minutes later an identically cross was sent to Ijeh by the same Hagernäs. This time Ijeh was not dragged down so he headed home his first goal in four games.
At the other end, Dinko Felic had a chance to put the game to rest, but the Väsby keeper made a terrific save to preserve a chance for Väsby, but it was all in vain. Syrianska FC maintained possession exceptionally throughout injury time.

Syrianska FC 1-0 Väsby IK (HT: 0-0)
Scorer: Ijeh 86.


Text: Emanuel Yacoub