Borussia Dortmund's U23s have moved up to berth four in the Regional League West table after defeating FC Wegberg-Beeck 2-0 (0-0) at home. Janni Luca Serra and Haymenn Bah-Traore scored the goals.

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It was ice-cold in the Rote Erde stadium: temperatures bordering on freezing meant that the pitch was not in the best condition. There were no surprises in Borussia Dortmund's starting eleven: the team that has been enjoying a sustained period of success, and that won in Essen, was selected to start again. As per normal, they dominated the opening of the encounter, and had much more possession than the rather passive visitors during the opening spell of the match.

The first good chance on goal came in the seventh minute when a free-kick from Ornatelli sailed through the entire 18-yard box to Oliver Steurer. The centre-half's shot was over the top of the goal, however. BVB continued to set the pace of the game thereafter, but were unable to create a dangerous situation in front of their opponents' goal. The Wegberger's back five stood compact, while the midfield obstructed the passing channels. The consequence was long periods of passing without Borussia winning any territory. Nothing much more happened up until halftime, and the first passage of play duly finished 0-0.

BVB coach Siewert brought on a new striker for the second half: Janni Luca Serra replaced Herbert Bockhorn. Philipp Hanke took over his position on the right of midfield. The substitution paid off after ten minutes played in the second half. Brilliant build up play from Massimo Ornatelli preceded Serra finding the back of the net after a strong dribble to make it 1-0 for the Borussia boys.

The goal woke both teams up: the guests too remembered what it was to attack, and proceeded to test BVB keeper Reimann a number of times. But the guests ended up shooting themselves in the foot: striker Shpend Hasani was ordered off for an early bath after seeing red for violent conduct. It was an unedifying scene that did not correspond with the rest of an otherwise fairly contested match. 

The Black and Yellows then missed the opportunity to kill the game in front of around 200 spectators in the Rote Erde stadium, meaning Wegberg were able to move upfield dangerously once again. However, offensive efforts continued to fall short until just before the end of the encounter, when Haymenn Bah-Traore was able to land the killer blow on the counter. Consequently, BVB have won their last three games in the Regional League West with a clean sheet.

BVB Coach Siewert was relieved after the game: "We definitely wanted to win today: we would have also played on hot ashes. We didn't let the conditions affect us at all. It was a victory of will. I am really happy that we played. I would be happy if we could play twice more this year."

Timo Lammert