May 31, 2012: HIF - IFK Hässleholm 2-2

Missed last year's two derbies. Today it is time. Thought it would be fully on board the train with visitors to Siesta Festival in Hässleholm which begins today, but it is empty at the exit of the station. A friend picks me up and we drive to Österås IP. We're early, no queue. Stand gaping empty. There are special grandstand for those with wheelchairs. Have not had time to eat, the sandwich I have with me is not enough. It will be a hot dog before the match. The audience arrive. The teams enter led by junior players. The game begins. IFKs goalkeeper fumbles, HIF push 1-0 in the fifth minute. Beautiful beginning. Not so wonderful continuation. IFK is taking over the game, more alert and more aggressive. Everybody are looking in one direction all the time. Young players are running around with teams flags. IFK player free, lift the ball over the goalkeeper in goal, 1-1 seven minutes before the break. It felt almost inevitable. Is a hot dog during the break as well.

In the break is a  stunt with old HIF-and IFK-players in a penalty shoot. It's old men! When I saw them in the 60 or 70's they looked much younger. HIF wins. Today HIF improve themselves and take over of game. In the stands, one is relaxing with coffee. HIF change, the newcomer nod goal almost instantly, 2-1! The audience applauds, I rejoice. 20 minutes left. Oh, yes, no, close to 3-1. Last minute. Some leaves already. Why? It is exciting! IFK press. get several corners. Seconds remaining. Corner, nod in goal. No! 2-2. IFK is cheering. Then kick-off, the match is over. Feels like a loss.  But the 2-2 draw against the league leaders is not so bad. Over the whole match also fair. But still! Last year was is HIF that equalized in the last seconds. A kind of justice.

Audience number of 2214 is fine as well. Wonderful with derbies again.