Fredrikstad show underdogs the way

by Eivind Aarre from Stavanger The battle for top spot in Norway's Tippeligaen is wide open with most of the teams tipped to challenge for the title at the start of the season faltering. Rosenborg BK, SK Brann, Viking FK, Vålerenga IF and Lillestrøm SK have all struggled for consistency, which has allowed some of the league's lesser lights to set the pace. Surprises Leaders Stabæk IF were expected to mount a serious challenge after finishing second behind Brann last term, but few predicted Fredrikstad FK and Tromsø IL would be their nearest challengers midway through the season. Fredrikstad have been the biggest surprise of 2008 thanks in large part to coach Anders Grönhagen, who since arriving last year has turned them from a team tipped for relegation into a comfortable mid-table side, and one even able to give the big... [read full story]