Another point for the season's premiere in Strandvallen

A lot of people (2700) had come to Strandvallen for the first game of the season against IFK Norrköping, which finished a draw 0-0. Mjällby dominated the 1st half, IFK's defense was having a lot of troubles on the sides, but the ball would not get in thanks to a very dense and tightly covered central defense. At the mid-game break, I guess the IFK players got a good yelling at, or good coaching as they call it, because it's not the same team that came back on the pitch. The 2nd half was much more even, but the ball still would not get in for either team, despite occasions on both sides. Both keepers had their hands full and had to be well awake.

Best MAIF player on the field were in my opinion Daniel Ivanovski and Phille, those 2 were a permanent problem for the IFK midfield and defense on their right side, and Erton with his good technique qualities. Dusan did ok. Wille started well but got injured at his left ankle after only 15 minutes, hope it's not too bad, and was replaced by Tobbe who did ok. Eken as usual, took a lot of beating from the IFK defense which played very physical. The midfield was very even, with good things seen from both teams, and less good things as well. Lindberg very stable, even in the position of goalkeeper (without the hands). Berner got some playing time, but was not decisive, a little disappointment. It was just a pity we did not transform the free-kick at the last second, I would have let Cederberg (who did fine in defense) shoot it. So all in all an even game, and as often in this locked situation no goals.

As seen during the training games, MAIF is playing ball a lot more this year. More or less all players are trying to find solutions even when pushed in corners, helping each other a lot. It's lovely to see, and quite much more efficient than just sending the ball away like last year as well. Clear technique improvement on this point. What I like less is the kind of 4-5-1 new organisation, Eken is very alone up there. Erton is not doing a bad job, but in offensive phases he must help Eken more. Also we had 2 good offensive sides, but then there was too little people in the middle to receive the centres. Although admittedly the IFK central defense was very tight.

Mr Referee from K-stad was ok for about 1 hour, then he was a little bit a pajas. Not a winner.

Next game is away against Sirius in Uppsala (the actual Sirius is a bit distant, even with new super-sponsor SAS). This newcomer team has won their first 2 games against Ljunskile and Åtvidaberg, so they shall not be under-estimated. If we do intend to fight in the top of the table this year, 2 points so far is ok but some teams already have 6, it would be good to start scoring goals, and Uppsala is a good place to start. By the way we are already playing Sirius in Uppsala in the Swedish Cup on wednesday.