With two games cancelled in a row the Scans finally kicked off the new season in Division 1 with a game against FC Planet Pattaya. The visitors from Pattaya started their campaign winning three out of three games – so a victory would not come easy.
The game kicked off at a furious pace with intense pressure from the Viking side. Pattaya had to capitulate after twenty minutes, where mercurial striker Sivapol caused havoc forcing the Pattaya defense to resort to illegal means. The result was a clear penalty which veteran striker Anders Kargo converted with aplomb.
The goal seemed to wake the Pattaya players who in return piled on the pressure in the Scandinavian end. The rest of the half was a hard fought battle, where captain Chris Lundqvist worked tirelessly breaking up play and spraying the ball around the park initiating counterattacks to the speedy wingers Ruj, debutant Rasmus and coach Mofok.
Up 1-0 at halftime with a Pattaya team getting closer and closer, one could fear the new defense setup would bulk under pressure. However, led by keeper Spiderman, the defense showed FC Planet what Vikings are made of. Central defenders Gautestad and Taka marshaled the backline and the two of them dealt with everything FC Planet threw at them. It was also a pass from central defense initiating the counterattack leading to Vikings’ second goal. Debutant Sveis found Kargo close to goal with a wonderful pass. Without hesitation the aging goalgetter once again showed why he is still a feared striker, hammering the ball into the top corner – a wonder goal at the right time giving the Vikings a little breathing room.
The rest of the game Pattaya resorted to deep passes pressuring the Vikings’ backline. Despite good efforts and a shot at the post, the victory was however never questionable and the last nail in the Pattaya coffin was hammered in by Sivapol who scored following a tremendous counterattack assisted by Ruj.
The prospects for the first season in 1. division are very positive as every player delivered a top-notch showing. Gautestad deservedly grabbed the Man of the Match title with a cornerstone performance in defense.

1-0 Anders (pen)
2-0 Anders (Peter)
3-0 Sivva (Ruj)

Man of the match: Gaute

Match report: Peter