The Lillestrom Courier
Match1 Aug 2026
Markus Karlsbakk breaks Raufoss hearts
Some goals win a match and some take one off somebody else. Markus Karlsbakk scored in the 86th minute, Raufoss had already begun thinking about the journey home, and Lillestrom took the lot.
Player ratings3 Aug 2026
Both of them Markus Karlsbakk's — 8.42
2 goals, and the second was the one that settled it. Marked 8.42, and he could have had a third with better luck at the near post.
Player ratings3 Aug 2026
No sign of nerves from Daniel Bassi at 21 — 7.68
The hardest thing about being 21 in a senior side is that nobody makes allowances. Daniel Bassi did not need any: 7.68, and he looked the most comfortable man on the pitch.
Market3 Aug 2026
Oddevold come back empty-handed
The bid was some way short and Lillestrom did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.
Market3 Aug 2026
Eyes on Eric Kitolano again
The phone has started ringing about Eric Kitolano again, and this time the name on the line is Aarhus Fremad. Lillestrom are listening politely and promising nothing.
Squad3 Aug 2026
Daniel Bassi stays put
“The easiest signature of my career.” Daniel Bassi and Lillestrom agree another 5 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Squad3 Aug 2026
Tempers go at Lillestrom
Fredrik Gulbrandsen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Match1 Aug 2026
Markus Karlsbakk the difference as Lillestrom beat Raufoss
Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Markus Karlsbakk. 3‑2 against Raufoss, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.
Squad3 Aug 2026
Home is on Kparobo Arierhi's mind
“Some mornings you wake up and you are still a long way from everything you know.” It is not the football and it never was; Lillestrom are dealing with a man who wants a different country.
In brief
- The terraces Lillestrom supporters have found a favourite in Daniel Bassi
- The dugout Pontus Dahlberg gets it from the manager
- Market Lillestrom and Fredrik Gulbrandsen are talking past each other