On Friday afternoon, Askim’s young players prepare for the historic semi-finals of the play-offs of world football’s biggest Norwegian Cup tournament. The Blues were impressive in the quarter-finals against Blindheim IL, but just a short time after the semifinals were secured, the team will be playing again at Ekebergsletta in the capital.

This time it was Vigør FK who was standing on the other side of the field. The match was evenly matched on a grass court which didn’t allow for any good play. Just before halftime, the brown shirt from Sørlandet would have scored the only goal of the match.

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There are a lot of fights between two good teams, which also gradually tire the legs. Askim Fotball had several chances late in the game, but never managed to threaten goalkeeper Vigør.

Thus the match ended 1-0 for the team from Kristiansand, despite a heroic effort from Askim Fotball. Nevertheless, the Norwegian Cup is not over yet, because on Saturday at 12.45 the boys from Indre Stfold will play in the bronze final against Pors Fotball.

After the match, coach Joakim Klæboe was disappointed, but still proud of what his team had achieved in the past week.

– We faced a strong and physical team, and we created a number of chances in the first half. Unfortunately, we run out of bits from time to time. People have been playing a lot of games lately and we’re coming straight from the Fund Cup too. “It was a deserved win for Vigør, but it could have happened by a small margin,” Klæboe told Smaalenenes Avis.

– But the players fought hard. It’s absolutely fantastic what they have delivered in the last week. The boys have the ability to rearrange and look towards the next match throughout the tournament. I am very proud to be a part of this group.

– Now Pors Football is waiting for Saturday. How did you see the match?

– It will definitely be a tough match like today. We have to try to get rid of the disappointment, then we will give the iron tomorrow. It would be great if we could end the Norwegian Cup with a bronze medal, said the coach proudly.