Solskjær steers Molde to maiden title

Molde FK have been confirmed as Norwegian champions for the first time in their history after SK Brann's 6-3 victory at Rosenborg BK left Ole Gunnar Solskjær's charges eight points clear with two fixtures remaining.

Solskjær took over in November last year and has made an immediate impact by surpassing the club's previous best finish of second and lifting silverware in his first season in charge. Rosenborg needed to win to keep the title suspense alive but were comfortably beaten on home soil by Brann, falling 3-0 down in the first 18 minutes. For their part, Molde drew 2-2 with Strømsgodset TF.

Unsurprisingly, the former Manchester United FC forward was keen to heap praise on his talented squad. "The main reason for our success has been the players," said the 38-year-old. "They have shown quality during training and several players have performed better than expected on match days."

Goalkeeper Espen Bugge Pettersen, defender Vegard Forren, midfielder Makhtar Thioune and forward Davy Claude Angan complemented the flair of Magne Hoset and Magnus Eikrem to ensure that Molde were the most consistent team in the top flight. They can now look forward to entering the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round next season.