Vard Haugesund 4–1 Stord IL
Norwegian 3.Divisjon – 23 May 2026

Match Overview

Vard Haugesund produced an emphatic performance to thrash local rivals Stord IL 4–1 in a Norwegian 3.Divisjon fixture played under floodlights. The home side were ruthless in attack and solid at the back, turning a tight first half into a one-sided victory that lifted them up the third-tier table.

First-Half Fireworks

Vard took the lead inside five minutes when winger Erik Nilsen cut inside from the left and curled a shot into the top corner. Stord responded well and equalised mid-way through the first half after a defensive mix-up allowed their striker to tap in from close range. However, Vard regained the lead before the break when midfielder Mats Pedersen powered a header from a corner into the net. The 2–1 halftime scoreline did not reflect Vard’s overall control of possession.

Second-Half Rout

The hosts came out aggressively after the restart. Nilsen grabbed his second of the night in the 52nd minute with a low drive after a neat one-two, and substitute Henrik Berg added a fourth in the 78th minute with a clinical finish from a quick counter-attack. Stord’s attacks became increasingly desperate, and Vard’s goalkeeper was rarely called into action.

Tactical Observations

• Vard’s high pressing forced Stord into frequent errors in their own half.
• Wide play was decisive – all four Vard goals came from moves originating on the flanks.
• Stord’s midfield was overrun after the hour mark.

What This Means

Vard Haugesund’s convincing win boosted their promotion ambitions in the 3.Divisjon, building momentum for the busy spring schedule. For Stord, the defeat highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that must be addressed if they hope to move away from the bottom half of the table.