Örtofta

Ground: Bruksvallen

Visits: 1

Date: 10th August 2024

Match: Örtofta - Hardeberga 1-4 (Division 6 Skåne Sydvästra A)

Attendance: 25

At first I was planning a match in Blekinge on Friday evening and then another match on Sunday afternoon. With heavy rain coming down late on Friday afternoon I changed my plans though and decided to do a double in Division 6 at Saturday lunchtime. Örtofta IS were hosting Hardeberga BK at 11 am, a very unusual kick-off time, and at 1pm GoF were hosting Svensköp. 10 minutes between the two grounds and an opportunity I had to take advantage of. Örtofta is situated along the main rail line between Malmö and Stokholm just north of Lund. It is nowadays probably most famous for having Sweden´s only sugar plant.

2024 is the first time since 2020 Örtofta IS are competing in the league but it has been a tough come-back for them. 0 points and -66 in goal difference so far and also the club in Skåne with the worst fair-play record. There has even been a discussion to exclude the club from competing in the league. Anyway, around 20 minutes prior to kick-off I parked my car and it was free entrance at Bruksvallen. Most of those present seemed to support the visitors from Hardeberga and to their delight more or less all of the action in the 1st half was in front of the Örtofta goalkeeper. 2-0 at half-time and as I got some coffee I was a bit surprised the cup was made of porcelain. In the 2nd half Örtofta managed to pull a goal back but a red card (local FA won´t be happy) ended their dream of a first ever point. In stoppage time Hardeberga scored twice to deservedly win 4-1. Hopefully Örtofta will survive and field a team next season as well but they could do with a few new players.

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