Viking Snatch Late Draw to Deny Sandefjord at Jotun Arena
Sandefjord Fotball were denied all three points in dramatic fashion on Thursday night, as Viking FK levelled in stoppage time to earn a 1-1 draw at Jotun Arena. Børkeeiet had given the hosts the lead early in the second half, only for last season's champions to deny them a famous home win at the death.
A Hard-Fought Point Under the Floodlights
Sandefjord Fotball took the lead through Børkeeiet early in the second half, looking well on course for three valuable Eliteserien points. But Viking — last season's Norwegian champions — refused to fold, and snatched an equaliser deep into stoppage time to deny the hosts a full reward for their efforts.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, a result that will feel like two points dropped for a Sandefjord side that had done so much right in front of their own supporters.
A Tough But Honest Verdict
The match capped off a significant week for the club. Hosting Viking FK — one of the most decorated sides in Norwegian football — on a Thursday night under the floodlights at Jotun Arena is exactly the kind of occasion Sandefjord relish at home, and the atmosphere at Nygårdsveien 84 rose to match it.
The late equaliser will sting, but the performance offered encouragement. Sandefjord had already shown resilience in recent home results, and the draw against Viking adds to the sense that Jotun Arena remains a difficult place for visiting sides to come and win.
What Comes Next
Attention now shifts to the next home fixture, as Sandefjord prepare to welcome IK Start to Jotun Arena on 20 September. Further home matches against Lillestrøm, Molde, Tromsø and Vålerenga follow between October and December, meaning the stadium is set to be a focal point of top-flight Norwegian football right through to the end of the Eliteserien season.
With the campaign entering its decisive final stretch, every home point will count — and Jotun Arena's artificial turf will need to be a fortress if Sandefjord are to finish the year strongly.
