GIF Sundsvall began their preparations with a loss. The team was defeated 1-0 by Sandviken in a friendly match played on October 3.
The fixture was part of the build-up to the continued Superettan season. Sundsvall, who sit 16th in the league with 19 points, had previously won two of their last five league matches. Their most recent victory was a 3-2 win over Ljungskile SK just over two weeks ago.
The friendly against Sandviken marked the first loss in the reported series of meetings between the sides. Sundsvall struggled to create clear-cut chances during the match, which was decided by a single goal from the hosts.
Attention now turns to a tough league opponent. The team can review its squad and form ahead of the challenging assignment. The most recent league meeting with Norrkoping ended in defeat, and Sundsvall trail the leaders by 36 points in the standings.
The team's top scorer this season is H. Aviander with two goals in 15 appearances. To secure their Superettan status, the team will need to find more offensive potency. Further preparations and friendlies are expected before the league campaign resumes.
