One of the trickiest parts of being a sports fan is balancing your delight at surprising results with the satisfaction of seeing talent triumph.

Last weekend we got a great dose of the former, and this weekend we will likely see a splash of the latter.

It was a shock to see the notice that “Ross County Scores!” When we knew the opponent was mighty Celtic. Unbeaten Celtic. Irredoubtable Celtic. It was even more of a shock to see the second goal come in for the Staggies as well.

As I wrote in the weekend review, Ross County was an absolutely shocking winner. Even though Celtic hadn’t dominated of late, they were Celtic, and at home, and riding an 8 match winning streak against County. The Staggies chances were cast off with a laugh.

Then it happened. And the sheer disbelief on Alex Iacovitti’s face mirrored the delighted shock on faces from Dingwall to our doorstep.

That chance to shock, astound and delight is part of what makes sports special. Delighted surprise and unexpected joy: not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

Next Saturday, Rosenborg will face Klepp in the last match of the Toppserien. The will probably win and seal second place. I don’t frequently adopt such confidence, but Rosenborg’s Women have given me no reason to feel otherwise.

This year there have been few constants: death, critical mishandling of facts, and points for the women of Rosenborg. They’ve lost once in 19 games.

They’ve been great with Marit Clausen leading the attack, and with Julie Blakstad cutting in, and with Lisa-Marie Utland capitalizing on stretched defenses. They’ve won going away and late. They’ve battled to stalemates and they’ve had lucky equalizers. The one thing they haven’t done is play badly.

That’s a second great pleasure of sports. Seeing talented athletes do what they do so well. Astonished amazement and sincere appreciation: a great treat before you start the work week.

Sports show us a lot, that’s the whole premise of this blog after all, but one of the best/simplest lessons is there’s something to enjoy in both expected and the unexpected events.