Lillestrøm SK SK earned three crucial points in a fiery local derby against Valerenga at Åråsen on Saturday night. They won by two goals after their captain scored the opener in the first half, and Thomas Lehne Olsen sealed the result late in added time.

This victory came during a period of inconsistent results for Lillestrøm SK, who before this round were positioned just above the relegation zone. With this win, they have now won two of their last five matches.

Ødegaard's striker rotation

Head coach Hans Erik Ødegaard chose to start Fredrik Gulbrandsen as the forward, meaning Thomas Lehne Olsen began on the substitutes' bench for a fourth straight match. Gulbrandsen was coming off a match where he scored. After the game, Ødegaard said the two experienced forwards must share the duties.

When Lehne Olsen finally got his opportunity, he took it. The goal against Valerenga was a special one for him.

  • It's magical, said Lehne Olsen. I had yet to score against Valerenga at Åråsen. So that's ticked off. It was delightful and lovely to put the full stop on it.

Valerenga's dismal run continues

For Valerenga, this was another defeat in a winless streak. They have not won for several weeks, and their manager admitted his team lacked what was needed to turn the game around after conceding from a set piece in the first half.

A Lillestrøm SK player felt his team had a clear advantage.

  • We have a mental edge over them, and we show it on the pitch through duels and play. I think we deservedly win, said the player.

After the final whistle, Lillestrøm SK supporters chanted relegation taunts at the visiting players. The win moves Lillestrøm SK away from the most immediate relegation concerns, although other teams remain close.

Ødegaard described the match itself as one of mixed quality, but the points were invaluable. With one player as the team's top scorer this season, Lillestrøm SK needs more contributors in attack. The victory over Valerenga was an important step.

The report in full is at vg.no

Lillestrøm face Portuguese side Torreense in the UEFA Europa League at Åråsen on Thursday night. This is the club's first group stage match in the competition. Lillestrøm are coming off a 2-0 win against Vålerenga, with Ruben Gabrielsen and Thomas Lehne Olsen scoring. Manager Hans Erik Ødegaard has Espen Bjørnsen Garnås, Camil Jebara and Karl Linus Alperud sidelined through injury.