Michael Erbwein secured three points with his goal in extra time against Westfalia Rhynern to bring about a final score of 4-3 (1-1) in a thrilling encounter which saw the lead change hands repeatedly. 

After two home matches at the beginning of the season, U23 trainer Jan Siewert was confronted with his first away game. Their opponents were newly promoted division newbies Westfalia Rhynern from the city of Hamm. Siewert made two changes to the team that had won against Wattenscheid, bringing in Ametov and Park in for the injured Ornatelli, as well as for Chato.

The Black and Yellows dominated at the beginning of the game at the Hammer Evora Arena, and were very disciplined. The hosts remained cautious initially and let Borussia play their game. Consequently, it was no surprise that the first combination of note led directly to a 1-0 lead in the 10' minute. The ball made its way via Eberwein and Sauerland to starting eleven freshman Ametov, who was able to slot home to put them in front.

After that, the game levelled out a little, and the hosts started to get themselves into the game a bit more. Just before the end of the first half, Westfalia Rhynern had their first chance on goal in the game. It was a dangerous one, and resulted in the equaliser, 1-1. Tekiela took advantage of a gap in the Dortmund backline, giving BVB goalkeeper Dominik Reimann no chance. The teams went into the changing room at half time with the score level at 1-1.

Rhynern had the better start at the beginning of the second lot of 45 minutes. The men from Borussia seemed to lack concentration and forewent the opportunity to dominate the game once more, as they had in the first half. Just after 15 minutes of playing time, Rhynern took the lead. A corner sent long across the face of goal floated to the far edge of their penalty area, on which stood former Borussia man Salvatore Gambino fully unmarked, and who from around 16 metres out fired home to put them in front.

However, their advantage was not to hold for long. "It is very important after going behind to get right back into the game", clarified trainer Jan Siewert after the match. So it was in this game: The boys picked themselves up, found their previous strength and got their rewards in the 71' minute, bringing the game back to 2-2 through Patrick Mainka, before going back into the lead, 3-2, three minutes later courtesy of Lars Dietz. Both goals came about thanks to set pieces, both of which were delivered brilliantly by Beyhan Ametov.

The game had been turned around, but the three points were not in the bag yet. Borussia had the appearance of confident victors, but Rhynern were to get a corner ball in extra time. The delivery was not cleared sufficiently, and Dominik Reimann shot dangerously from distance, in the end, unstoppably so. But Jan Siewert's young charges had an answer to this setback too. The Black and Yellows threw everything forwards once again in the 93' minute. A cross from Bah-Traore glided through the penalty area, landing precisely on the head of Michael Eberwien who was able to nod in for 4-3, and to get their second win in a row. Jan Siewert is hugely satisfied with his team's effort today: "We are really happy with the win." 

The U23s face Borussia Mönchengladbach's second team next week.
Timo Lammert