The last but one game of the season started on a cozy and warm Clementi turf – Finocchiario rejoining after successful surgery of the paranasal sinuses. With ensured full oxygen supply we kept the pressure high and were awarded with Meurers passing a high ball into the penalty box to Almeroth who converted with a cool head – not paying any attention to the ‘offside calls’ by the opponent team (9. minute).

The game continued with balanced possession of the ball whereas our defence did not allow any clear chances. One exception was the ‘professional foul’ by Mohan just outside the penalty box, resulting in a dark yellow card as well as a shot over our crossbar. Eventually, most of the regular tackles happened in midfield – from where also the second goal started: Meurers was a leg faster than the opponent and the deflected ball went towards the opponent’s goal. Another deflection from the goalkeeper which ended up as a high ball bouncing in front of the goal which Meurers conveniently converted (39. minute).

In the second half the game became more heated which was attributed to the temperature close to boiling point as well as the opponent’s desire to do turn the game around. But several bodies were flipped instead – Eckmann received a tough tackle resulting in a yellow card. And Weitert was brought down twice resulting in visible pain and required his substitution.

Even though exhausted we kept the pressure up which included some tactical fouls in the own half. While all free kicks could be either painfully blocked or went out, time was on our side. With increasing frustration, concentration took its toll: the opponent’s left defender desperately tried to pass back to the goalkeeper but ended up at striker Schwarz who had cheekily sneaked behind. Not taking into consideration the young fan’s shouting regarding ‘old age’ and ‘grey hair’ from the outside, he allowed the ball to slide elegantly along his strong right foot converting with a smooth spin into the lower right corner by caressing the right goalpost (76. Minute). Done and dusted!

MOM: Marius Eckmann

Match Report by Christopher Schwarz