3 games in Sweden including a visit to the centre of the country.
19th August 2017 AFC Eskilstuna 3 Malmo 1 Allsvenskan 3115 (c. 200 away)
After various changes of name and location AFC seem to have settled in Eskilstuna, south of Stockholm. They play at the historic '58 World Cup venue of Tunavallen.
Which is now a neat ground with apartments in each corner, from where quite a few fans watched this match.
Not many Malmo fans made the journey north east, apparently as a protest against the ownership of the home club.
Those that did were in for a surprise as the leaders were well beaten by the bottom club.
Sierra Leone striker Turay was the star, scoring two great headers, and celebrating by recognising the recent troubles of his home country. And also doing a handstand.
He later went off to a great ovation.
Eventually Malmo brought on Sarfo and talent Svanberg but they only had a Berget penalty as a response.
It was a fine win for English coach Michael Jolley and may help AFC escape relegation.
20th August Ostersund 0 AIK 3 5,779 (c. 200 away)
I took the morning flight from Arlanda with the AIK team and officials for this trip to the centre of Sweden.
We arrived at midday for the 3pm kickoff.
But it was enough time to settle in my central hotel and stroll around the fairly quiet city where there was a small protest by hospital staff (something that was apparently occuring in other parts of the country)
Out near the well known winter sports area is the Jamkraft Arena in which a decent crowd turned out including a typically lively group of black-clad AIK ultras.
On another artificial pitch the visitors took their chances and ran out comfortable winners.
Though they were helped by the dismissal of English midfielder Curtis Edwards.
It was a chilly and wet afternoon and I was glad of a post match steak and weiss beer.
21st August Sundsvall 1 Kalmar 3 3818 (c. 10 away)
The train from west to east takes around 2.5 hours and as you might expect passes through lakes and wooded areas.
Eventually arriving in the coastal city of Sundsvall with its pleasant centre and tree-lined streets.
The nearby stadium has a long history having been originally opened, with the club, in 1903.
On this Monday night with both sides threatened by relegation it was the away team that produced the goods.
An opportunist strike, an own goal and decisive hit from Viktor Elm (brother of Rasmus) enabled them to secure the points
Though their best player, and target for other clubs, Eric Larsson produced some good work down the right it only resulted in one reply.
