Five wins from the last six saw Kristiansund finish in fifth place, their highest ever placing in Norway's top tier. So they can be excused the way they just didn't turn up in their final game against Lillestrom. They didn't have anything to play for and were looking a bit worse for wear after a gruelling season with a limited playing squad. But this is a terrific achievement for Christian Michelsen and his side. They have always been unfancied, but with this supposedly being their difficult second season in the Norwegian top flight, there is every chance that the club can establish themselves in the division now. It's no longer a fluke that they are here, and they haven't looked out of place at the top table for a very long time now.
It was an even more impressive performance because the club cashed in on their major target man Daouda Bamba who left for Brann in the summer. But getting Flamur Kastrati to take his place was a masterstroke, with his feistiness a welcome addition up front. At their very best they looked very organised, but had a tendency to lose concentration and at stages this season they were frustratingly inconsistent. One week they would go to Lerkendal and get a 2-2 draw, in a game they could've easily won, while on another they could be outplayed 3-0 against Bodo/Glimt. It'll be interesting to see where they go from here though, and all eyes will be on their progress. Fifth place will be a tough act to follow for sure.
