IFK were the happier team coming from Ullevi with a point as GAIS missed a succession of chances to secure early season bragging rights. Morais Reis and Christofiridis had were the main culprits as the GrönSvart couldn’t keep their cool after breaching IFK’s static defence time after time. Although Christensen in the IFK goal saved them on a couple of occasions, the GAIS forwards should have made him work a lot harder.

Surprisingly, for a local derby, the two teams played out an open and entertaining fare that was all the better for the lack of malice in the tackle. The game started brightly with both sides wasting early chances but showing good attacking attitudes. GAIS had more possession and repeatedly got behind the IFK back four but lacked composure in front of goal when it looked easier to score. IFK had one clear opportunity but Tobias Hysen also fluffed his lines with just Jankulovski to beat.

The second half began as the first with the pacy Pachajyan enjoying himself on the right wing and Christensen had to make an excellent save on 53 minutes to keep the teams level. For some reason IFK were standing off and Ikpe Ekong in the midfield continued to pull the strings for GAIS. They had a couple of half chances before IFK even managed an attack.

With 13 minutes to go the BlåVit fans were cheering but the ‘goal’ was disallowed for a push on a defender. Three minutes later GAIS substitute Christofiridis should have scored but was foiled by the IFK keeper. Thomas Olsson forced a great save from Jankulovski with five minutes to go and that was the last clear chance for either team. Up to this point all the players had behaved themselves but they just couldn’t keep it up. Jonsson took a “I know this is a yellow card and I don’t care” swipe at Pachajyan and Tobiasson gave Wernbloom a close look at his studs to earn bookings.

27,238 people came to see the game and most will be happy at avoiding defeat. They will have to wait until September for the return fixture to see which of the Göteborg teams can claim the spoils of derby victory.

By: Micil Glennon