Start Kristiansand Survive Vindbjart Scare in Five-Goal Norwegian Cup Tie

Start Kristiansand advanced in the Norwegian SAS Braathens Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 away victory over Vindbjart on 17 September 2026. The cup fixture produced a lively, open contest in which the lower-division hosts twice threatened to pull off an upset before Start’s superior attacking quality and late composure settled the night.

Vindbjart, playing at home in Vennesla, brought energy and aggression to the match. Start Kristiansand, the more established club, had to withstand periods of pressure and a spirited second-half comeback before booking their place in the next round. It was exactly the kind of cup tie that makes the Norwegian SAS Braathens Cup so unpredictable.

Match Overview

Start began brightly and took the lead through Jørgen Hatlehol, who finished neatly after a quick transition. Vindbjart responded with a committed pressing game, forcing errors in the visitors’ build-up. Their reward came when Mathias Fredriksen equalised with a low shot from the edge of the box, sending the home supporters into loud celebration.

Start restored their advantage before half-time when Sander Sjøkvist converted from a well-worked corner routine. Early in the second half, Start appeared to take control as Kristoffer Tønnessen made it 3-1 with a composed finish. But Vindbjart were not finished. Ole Marius Hovstad pulled one back with a header, setting up a tense finale in which the hosts pushed for an equaliser and Start had to defend with concentration and maturity.

Key Moments

• Opening goal: Jørgen Hatlehol put Start Kristiansand ahead after a swift counter-attack.
• Vindbjart reply: Mathias Fredriksen levelled with a precise finish from outside the penalty area.
• Start regain lead: Sander Sjøkvist scored from a corner, restoring the visitors’ advantage before the break.
• Two-goal cushion: Kristoffer Tønnessen made it 3-1 early in the second half.
• Late drama: Ole Marius Hovstad headed in for 3-2, but Start held on to progress.

Tactical Story

Vindbjart’s game plan was clear: press high, win the ball in midfield, and attack quickly before Start could set their defensive shape. It worked for long stretches, especially in the first half and during the final 20 minutes. The hosts also looked dangerous from crosses, with Hovstad’s late header proving that their aerial threat remained a problem throughout.

Start Kristiansand, however, had more quality in the final third. Their movement between the lines created chances even when Vindbjart pressed effectively, and their set-piece delivery was a constant menace. The visitors’ ability to score at key moments — just before half-time and again early in the second half — ultimately made the difference. In cup football, those momentum-shifting goals are often decisive.

Standout Players

Jørgen Hatlehol and Sander Sjøkvist were influential for Start, each scoring and contributing to the team’s attacking rhythm. Kristoffer Tønnessen’s goal gave the visitors breathing room at a critical stage. For Vindbjart, Mathias Fredriksen and Ole Marius Hovstad stood out, combining for both goals and leading the hosts’ brave second-half fightback.

What the Result Means

Start Kristiansand move into the next round of the Norwegian SAS Braathens Cup, keeping their cup ambitions alive. For Vindbjart, the defeat is painful but the performance offered plenty of encouragement, especially against a stronger opponent. The result also underlines the knockout format’s drama: a two-goal lead was never fully safe, and the tie remained alive until the final whistle.

Final score: Vindbjart 2-3 Start Kristiansand.