Important three points in top clash

HB Køge Women made the long trip to Hjørring on Saturday, where Fortuna Hjørring awaited in a true top-of-the-table clash. A defeat would have seen the North Jutland side take over first place, while a win would send the Swans five points clear. In other words, there was a lot at stake.

HB Køge Women started the game at full speed and quickly took control. It paid off after just 10 minutes. Following a corner from Signe Markvardsen, the ball was flicked on at the far post, where Catherine Paulson was left completely unmarked. She laid it back across goal, allowing Cassandra Korhonen to calmly finish for 1-0.

The strong start continued, and just five minutes later the ball was in the net again. A well-worked move from deep in defence and up the right flank sent Rikke Marie Madsen through on goal. She looked up and spotted a completely free Mille Gejl arriving at the edge of the box. Gejl ran onto the ball and struck it beautifully into the top of the net to make it 2-0.

The rest of the first half produced chances at both ends. Macy Schultz came close to extending the lead but fired straight at the goalkeeper, while Fortuna had two attempts from distance. Alberte Vingum produced two excellent saves to deny them. HB Køge Women therefore went into the break with a deserved 2-0 lead.

The second half saw a different pattern to the game. HB Køge dropped deeper and allowed the home side more possession. The Swans managed to keep Fortuna from creating major chances for a long time, but the hosts eventually found a way through. A Fortuna player was played in behind and reached the ball ahead of both Simone Boye and an onrushing Alberte Vingum, before lifting it past them and into the net.

The final 15 minutes became a test of resilience, and when the final whistle blew, players and staff celebrated together. The win was secured, and HB Køge Women now hold a five-point lead over Fortuna Hjørring.

Already on Thursday, another crucial match awaits as HB Køge Women are back in action. They face Brøndby IF away in the cup semi-final second leg. The first match ended 1-1, leaving everything to play for. The goal is clear: to secure the club’s first-ever cup final – and to do so on home ground.

Watch the highlights here.

Fortuna Hjørring 1–2 HB Køge Women
0–1 Cassandra Korhonen (10’)
0–2 Mille Gejl (15’)
1–2 Nikoline Nielsen (76’)

HB Køge Women starting line-up
1. Alberte Vingum
2. Maria Uhre
3. Macy Schultz
11. Cassandra Korhonen
13. Catherine Paulson
17. Rikke Marie Madsen
19. Signe Markvardsen
23. Mille Gejl
25. Augusta Callesen
28. Simone Boye
33. Jereko

HB Køge Women substitutions
Emma Pelkowski for Cassandra Korhonen (58’)
Sarah Thygesen for Rikke Marie Madsen (58’)
Emilia Pelgander for Jereko (58’)
Fleur Huisman for Maria Uhre (76’)
Mai Wendicke for Macy Schultz (76’)

A-League, Championship Round
Matchday 3, Saturday 28 March, 14:00
Nord Energi Arena