It went a bit slower than expected for Häcken away against Alingsås, a team that has only taken points in three matches and which with the greatest probability will play in the first division next season.
Not until extra time in the first half came the 1-0 goal. Stine Sandbech has recently been moved down as a center back – a position she has not played in for many years – but has not forgotten how to send a football into the far corner.
The 29-year-old Dane picked up a second ball in the penalty area and with a half-volley hit the upper net behind Alexandra Blom in the Alingsås goal.
It's deep inside, but we continue to work methodically and know that it will come. And it did. It's just a matter of continuing, then it will come more, said Häcken's Paulina Nyström to Viaplay during the break.
Not much more came. Häcken had trouble creating really good scoring opportunities and the definitive decision did not come until the 83rd minute when the guests were awarded a penalty. Anna Anvegård safely secured the final result to 2-0.
Through the victory, Häcken regains the league lead that Hammarby had on loan for just over a day after Friday's derby victory over AIK (1-0). Häcken is one point ahead of Hammarby and four ahead of Malmö FF with five rounds left.
Next Saturday, Häcken will host Hammarby in a potentially gold-deciding match.
In the lower part of the damallsvenskan, it will take a small miracle for Alingsås to stay. It's eleven points up to Rosengård on the qualifying spot.
