Rise Of The Faroes: EB/Streymur Reign As Champions

Arnbjørn Hansen sent the EB/Streymur faithful into raptures as they were crowned Faroese champions for the very first time. Playing in an away tie against relegated-stricken Skála, a hat-trick from the prolific striker guaranteed the crown was in EB/Streymur’s hands as the final minutes of the match approached. It has been a season of dominance on the domestic scene as the club - most renowned for meeting Manchester City in the UEFA Cup First Qualifying Round – additionally saw success in the Cup competition. The ‘European minnows’ will be given the opportunity of a lifetime in next season’s Champions League, where causing a stir amongst the continental heavyweights could be on the cards. There was even more reason to crack open the champagne for Hansen, as the hat-trick secured his place at the top of the goalscoring charts and thus making him eligible for the European Golden Boot – an impossible feat that nevertheless highlights the striker’s starring role in EB/Streymur’s successful year.

Haunted by the memories of 2006 where a seven point lead was lost, fans will be forgiven for feeling especially nervous and the winner courtesy of Hansen was a massive relief for all concerned. The match had been postponed since Sunday due to high winds and it created a tense climax to the season. Faroese international Hansen has been struggling to find his early-season form and a goalless run of five matches was ended at a critical time. “It was a bit reminiscent of 2006. We hit the post and had near misses on several occasions, but then the ball finally went in and it was an incredible relief." The bitter experiences of the past two seasons have well and truly been banished as EB/Streymur will be hoping it is a case of déjà vu in 2009.