Swedish update

A bit of an update for those of you who still show interest in the Swedish teams. Into August and at last things are beginning to get interesting.

The season has been pretty boring so far ...even by Swedish standards with an surfeit of drawn games (very equality-minded - the Swedes) but after the short summer break, we saw Elfsborg's 9-point lead dwindle, as Malmö drew level with them on

points a week or so ago. Just the time for a good top of the table game, and when it came to it, Elfsborg did the business and comfortably sank their rivals by 4-1 ..and a bit to spare..

The rest of the rather mediocre table shows Stockholm's pride Djurgården with 11 of their 18 games drawn..but managing to steal a 1-0 win on a visit to lowly-placed Gefle.

Some of the other games livened up a bit too, none more so than champs Helsingborg who had a blistering 7-2 win over Kalmar. Another side with the "draw syndrome" Gothenburg... picked themselves up and trounced newcomers Mjällby 4-2.

However, many eyes are drawn to the top of Superettan (the Swedish Championship).

Last years relegated side Öster have been top all season and had gone 18 games without a defeat until they met second-placed Brommapojkarna on Monday. Much has been written about BP in the last few years. A club based on nursery sides who have over 150 teams just in the Stockholm area for both girls and boys from 5 -16 years. They were promoted some years ago but yo-yoed up and down a couple of times since.

Their " senior " side (if it can be called that) contains half a dozen teenagers, and recently had a run of 12 straight wins, which was increased when they overcame Öster by a convincing 3-1 performance, although they still trail them by 6 points at the top.

Both these sides have opened up a formidable 7 point gap over the third side which is presently Michael Svensson's Halmstad outfit. Any club seeking promotion this season will have to show some real form to overtake any of these three.

more news as and when....