FCK-Silkeborg 3-1 (0-1)
Swedish International Tobias Linderoth was back in central midfield after the injury that kept him out of the first three games after the winter break, while his fellow countryman, Marcus Allbäck, not yet was ready for his comeback.
After only two minutes of the game, Lars Jacobsen could have given Copenhagen a perfect start, but his thundering effort from around 25 meters hit the post. And fifteen minutes later, the home-team again hit the crossbar not only once, but twice within few seconds! First Ailton put Berglund through with a perfect pass, but Silkeborg-keeper David Preece blocked his effort only to see Berglund send the rebound towards the empty goal-mouth. But somehow a defender came out of nowhere and on the very goal line managed to head the ball up on the cross-bar! It deflected right out to Grønkjær, who headed it back against goal, but this time the ball took the underside of the cross-bar, and eventually Silkeborg could get it out of the danger zone.
After totally dominating the game, Copenhagen was punished for not taken advantage of their chances, when Silkeborg silenced the home crowd with a set piece-goal after 25 minutes. Striker Kim Olsen headed a long free kick down to Askou, who easily could score from close range in a situation where the defence didn’t look fully concentrated.
Ståle Solbakken - not satisfied with the performance in the first half
The goal boosted the confidence of the visitors, who is currently struggling in the bottom of the table. With simple means they succeeded in stressing the home team, who couldn’t get their offensive play together and too often just sent long balls up towards Ailton and Berglund. But that just made it easier for the taller and more physical Silkeborg-defence.
Actually, Copenhagen didn’t create a real chance before a few minutes before half time, when Ailton quickly turned around in the penalty area and launched a fine effort that went just over the bar.
The picture was the same in the beginning of the second half, with Silkeborg fighting bravely for each ball, and Copenhagen failing to break the deadlock. Then Ståle Solbakken showed brilliant leadership and totally changed the game! He brought on Silberbauer for Berglund and decided to play central defender Michael Gravgaard up front to add weight and power to the attack. The formation was now something between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 with Atiba Hutchinson in a free roll behind Ailton and Gravgaard.
And Ståle was immediately rewarded, when Niclas Jensen stole the ball from Kim Olsen, found Ailton who flicked it on to Hutch, and when he sat pace into the penalty area, he was brought down from behind by Steven Lustü – penalty, and Jesper Grønkjær made no mistake from the spot.
Michael Gravgaard threatening the Silkeborg defence
Ståle continued with “Copenhagen Air Force-Gravgaard” up front, and 9 minutes later he played a key role, when Copenhagen went ahead. Grønkjær raced free of his marksman and crossed from the left, Gravgaard disturbed David Preece so he could only punch the ball out to Silberbauer, and he hammered the ball into the roof of the net with a perfect volley.
Only two minutes later, PARKEN exploded in delight, when Hutch showed some of his magic skills and - from the middle of the pitch - found his way past 5-6 Silkeborg-players, and deep into the penalty area coolly outplaced Preece. An amazing and outstanding solo-achievement by the Canadian which definitely decided the game – and the Man-Of-The-Match-competition!
Atiba Hutchinson - must be nominated for "Goal of the year"!
Silkeborg showed good morale and tried to get back into the game, but it was too late, and their only real chance came deep into injury time, when Jesper Nielsen hit the crossbar.
After 60 mediocre and 30 convincing minutes, Copenhagen restored their 6 point-lead in the top of the table before the top clash against their nearest rivals, FC Midtjylland, in Herning on Easter Monday.
All photos by Carl Redhead
MATCHFACTS:
F.C. Copenhagen-Silkeborg 3-1 (0-1)
25.: 0-1 Jens Berthel Askou
60.: 1-1 Jesper Grønkjær (pen.)
69.: 2-1 Michael Silberbauer
71.: 3-1 Atiba Hutchinson
Attendance: 18.370
F.C. Copenhagen: Jesper Christiansen - Lars Jacobsen, Michael Gravgaard, Brede Hangeland, Niclas Jensen – Atiba Huthcinson, Tobias Linderoth (75.: Hjalte Nørregaard), William Kvist, Jesper Grønkjær (88.: Dan Thomassen) - Fredrik Berglund (53.: Michael Silberbauer), Ailton Almeida. (Un-used substitutes: Oscar Wendt, Benny Gall)
