Halmstads BK secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over AIK at Örjans Vall thanks to a decisive 90th-minute header from Malte Persson. The win keeps their hopes of reaching the Allsvenskan playoffs alive.
Over 6,000 spectators saw Halmstad take the lead shortly after half-time. Omar Faraj made it 1-0 in the 48th minute following a pass from Hussein Carneil. AIK responded quickly, however. Just six minutes later, Johan Hove equalised, 1-1, from a cross by Mads Thychosen.
The match looked to be heading for a draw until the final moments. Then came the decisive combination. Koudou Illary whipped in a free-kick from the right and Malte Persson headed home for his first Allsvenskan goal of the season.
"That goal means absolutely everything to me," said Malte Persson. "Now we keep pushing all the way to the end."
AIK coach José Riveiro was disappointed with his team's performance. "It was three deserved points for the home team," he stated. "We can discuss possession and coaching forever, but they wanted it more than us. I want to apologise to our supporters."
The win means Halmstads BK now sit 16th in Allsvenskan with 14 points from 22 games. The team has won three of its last five matches and is on a two-game winning streak. Their recent form of WWLLW shows clear improvement.
With Kalmar FF suffering a heavy home loss to Häcken on the same day, Halmstad now holds a five-point cushion above the relegation playoff spot. This provides key breathing room ahead of a tough run of fixtures. The next challenge is an away match against top-four side IF Elfsborg on October 11th.
Stuart Baxter's side has shown patience and fighting spirit. This victory, especially the manner in which it arrived, could provide a massive confidence boost for the final stretch of the season. The team plays next away to Elfsborg.
More detail at aftonbladet.se
