"That was a worthy setting for a high-class, high intensity Regional League match", said U23 Trainer Jan Siewert after making his competitive match debut. The game, watched by about 6,000 spectators, resulted in a 2-2 draw against Red White Essen.

"It was pretty annoying for us, as you want to win after going 2-1 up. However, I am completely satisfied to take a point today", opined the new manager. The newly constructed Dortmund team did have problems with Essen's quick counterattacking game during the first half of the match, but after going 0-1 down, were able to take the lead temporarily. New signings Massimo Ornatelli (34', penalty kick) and Patrick Pflücke (48') scored for the Black and Yellows.

Both teams played openly in the last half an hour of the game. Among other happenings, captain Patrick Mainka headed against the post (74'). Nonetheless, it stayed at 2-2. "We have a completely new team and still need to gel first. But we can be very content with that result", said goalscorer Ornatelli.

Florian Groeger