U23s draw 0-0 in a "mud-fight" against Erndtebrück

It was not only the U23s' match that began punctually at 14:00 CEST, but also unceasing rain in the Rote Erde stadium. After just a few minutes played, both sides had visibly scarred the saponaceous playing surface. A number of misplays and misplaced passes did not allow for a constructive attacking game during the opening phase. Only after around 10 minutes did the first chance fall on the side of BVB to Haymenn Bah-Traore, who shot from a very short distance out, but who was unable to get the ball past the visitors' keeper, Aubele.

Thereafter, the Black and Yellows took greater control of proceedings. Erndtebrück fell back deep into their own half, and were occasionally dangerous on the break or from set-pieces. After around 20 minutes played, the U23s could think themselves lucky not to be a goal down. A corner was played, and Patrick Pflücke was able to claw the ball off the line at the last minute to save the already beaten Bansen. The 243 spectators present in the Rote Erde stadium were not to witness many chances on goal. Both teams were much too preoccupied with their own build-up play and their defensive stability.  The first half ended 0-0.

The guests made the better start to the second passage of play. After a long ball played forward, Yuki Nishiya popped up unmarked in front of Eike Bansen, but Bansen was not to be troubled with such a triviality as handling the ball, for the ensuing shot sailed harmlessly past the goal. It took until the 55' minute before BVB were dangerous once again in front of goal. Herbert Bockhorn sent a long ball played to him by Beyhan Ametov on for Janni Serra. His shot, though, was well over the woodwork.

Mainka misses a penalty kick

The Black and Yellows had another chance to take the lead just two minutes later. Patrick Mainka was denied, however, by goalkeeper Aubele from the spot. Nonetheless, the Black and Yellows continued to play courageously and attempted to get the win via set-pieces. The ball was frequently put into dangerous positions in front of the guests' goal, but the redoubtable Aubele kept the sheet clean. BVB threw everything forward again during injury time, but the brave visitors defended intelligently and prevented them from having any chances on goal.

Accordingly, BVB spurned the opportunity to win a difficult game with a spot-kick and had to be satisfied with a point against their recently promoted opposition. Overall though, much more would not have been possible on such an unforgiving playing surface. The U23s now have a long break in front of them. The next league game is scheduled for the 10 October away at Wegberg-Beeck. Prior to that, there will be a friendly match against Arminia Bielefeld.
Timo Lammert