FSV Frankfurt vs. FC-Astoria Walldorf 2:2

FSV Frankfurt defended their lead in the Regionalliga Südwest table with last Saturday's 3-0 away win at FC Gießen and even extended it with the away defeat of second-placed Hoffenheim II. This Friday evening, the Bornheim side welcomed FC-Astoria Walldorf in the last home game of the first half of the season. With a win, FSV could clinch the early autumn championship.

In comparison to the previous match at FC Giessen, FSV head coach Tim Görner changed the starting line-up in just one position. Timo Hildmann was back in the starting eleven after an injury lay-off, while Leonhard von Schroetter was again absent due to injury and was therefore not in today's squad. Both teams got off to a dynamic offensive start and did not shy away from a duel. For this reason, referee Sebastian Hilsberg handed out two yellow cards within the first ten minutes of the match, one for each team. FC-Astoria Walldorf endeavoured and groped their way towards the FSV penalty area in the opening quarter of an hour. The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute with a goal from Maximilian Waack. Home goalkeeper Justin Ospelt did not look good as the Bornheim goalkeeper was too far in front of the goal line and was unable to clear the ball. Ten minutes later, Andre Redekop increased the lead to 0:2 for the Black & Blues after he beat Ospelt with an arcing shot from the second row. Görner's eleven quickly recovered, now more energetic, and scored the equaliser a few minutes later to make it 1-2 through Lucas Hermes, who headed in from close range after a right-wing cross from top scorer Cas Peters. Despite initial difficulties, Bornheim gradually improved in the game and pushed for an equaliser, which Cas Peters, who set up the first goal, scored less than ten minutes later after a cross from the left. The final phase of the first half was now more turbulent, with both teams endeavouring to take the lead, although neither side managed to do so before the half-time whistle. After two minutes of stoppage time, both teams went into the half-time break with two goals each.

The league leaders made a strong and committed start to the second 45 minutes and the Black & Blues quickly tried to take the lead from a corner kick, but Astoria goalkeeper Jerik Von Der Felsen prevented them from doing so. A short time later, the away team marched towards the FSV penalty area, Jonas Arcalean played himself free and shot into the shallow left corner. Justin Ospelt quickly threw himself to the ground, caught the ball and prevented Walldorf from scoring a third goal. As the second half progressed, the action on the pitch tended to take place in the centre, with both teams getting into rough tackles, which led to several interruptions to the floodlit match and the referee handing out several yellow cards to both sides due to the heated nature of the game. The league leaders looked for gaps between the compact defence of the blue and whites, but found it difficult to do so, which is why they attempted to counterattack via the flanks. At the other end of the pitch, the Bornheim defence was also compact and consistent, preventing FC Astoria from scoring several times. As the exciting final minutes drew to a close, FSV marched forward once again in the hope of turning a 2-0 deficit into another home win, which they almost achieved, as Hassan Mourad, who had come on as a substitute, broke through the last defender immediately after the start of stoppage time and found himself alone in front of visiting goalkeeper Von Der Felsen, who the Bornheim man ultimately failed to beat. After five minutes of stoppage time, referee Hilsberg blew the final whistle and both teams secured a point in front of 1,569 spectators at the PSD Bank Arena. FSV Frankfurt remained unbeaten this evening thanks to goals from the forward duo and a strong defensive performance and have now gone 14 games in a row without defeat.

FSV Frankfurt drew 2-2 with Astoria Walldorf this Friday evening thanks to goals from Lucas Hermes and Cas Peters and could secure the early autumn championship if TSG Hoffenheim II lose next Sunday. On Saturday, 16/11/2024, Görner's eleven travel to Göppinger SV for the final game of the first half of the season. With at least one point, the Black & Blues could become autumn champions of the 2024/2025 Regionalliga Südwest season. Kick-off is at 2 p.m. at the Hohenstaufenstraße stadium.