Molde lost a dramatic Eliteserien derby to Kristiansund BK after TV 2's broadcast failed for viewers. The match ended 2-1 to the home side this week, with the feed cutting to black just as Molde chased an equaliser in stoppage time.
What happened in the match's decisive moments?
Molde pulled a goal back to 2-1 in stoppage time through striker Trent Koné-Doherty. Mere minutes later, the team won a penalty, but KBK goalkeeper Michael Lansing saved Koné-Doherty's attempt. It was at this precise moment that sound and picture disappeared for TV 2's audience. Jan-Petter Dahl, head of press for TV 2, apologised for the incident to VG. "We simply have to apologise to the viewers who missed the end of the match," Dahl said. The defeat means Molde's struggles in away matches continue this season.
How did this thrilling derby begin?
The build-up to the match was unusual. According to TV 2, Molde tabled a bid of 10 million kroner for KBK talent Sander Kilen just days before kick-off, which Kristiansund rejected. In a counter-move, KBK's daily manager Christian Gauseth tabled a bid for Molde captain Emil Breivik. Sander Kilen put KBK ahead in the first half. Molde thought they had equalised through Eirik Hestad, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review. Leander Alvheim then made it 2-0 for the home side following a mistake by Molde debutant goalkeeper Peder Hoel Lervik.
How did the Molde manager react to the goalkeeper error?
Sindre Tjelmeland defended the young keeper after the match. The Molde manager stressed that Lervik is a skilled goalkeeper with his future ahead of him. "Peder is a fantastic keeper. He is young, will come back fighting hard and did a lot of good things in the match," Tjelmeland told TV 2. The team has several experienced players back from injury, like Magnus Wolff Eikrem and Martin Linnes, providing more options. You can view the full squad list on our squad page.
What does this mean for Molde in the league?
The loss is a setback in the chase for top positions. The team has shown solid form at home at Aker Stadion, but away games have been a challenge. Eirik Hestad was clearly frustrated by the VAR decision that chalked off his goal. "It's just nonsense. The joy of football has completely disappeared with a VAR system run like this," he stated. To understand where this defeat fits, it's useful to look at the team's detailed season statistics on our stats page.
Molde must now shake off this defeat quickly. The team's next match is an important away trip, and you can follow the full schedule on our fixtures page. With a congested calendar ahead, it's important the squad stays fit, which you can track via our injuries overview. Molde currently sits in a mid-table position, and you can check the updated league table on our standings page. The team's next opponent is Viking, in an away fixture.
